The longstanding post-World War II strategy of enhancing access to higher education isn’t enough. Much more must be done to make college success a reality for more Americans. Accelerated degrees offer a promising approach toward that goal.

Such efforts aren't about just cramming more information into fewer credits to cut the time to a degree. It requires an institutional redesign of college majors and programs. It demands innovative thinking—and creative partnerships on and off campus. But if done right, the payoff can be huge, writes Lumina Foundation's Jamie Merisotis in this op-ed.

Recent headlines have put the complexities of higher education on full display, from historically low completion levels of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to substantial drops in enrollment. 

To combat the inevitable fallout, some colleges and universities are doubling down on their existing efforts to support students. In this essay, two student success experts offer additional ways for schools to help today's students navigate life on campus.

Hope Chicago is a three-year-old program that funds college tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for any high school graduate of five Chicago public high schools. It also provides the opportunity for one parent or guardian of each student to receive a scholarship to pursue a degree or certification from an institution of higher education.

A longtime university president makes the case for investing in Philadelphia families the same way.