A behavioral-science opinion argued that institutions seeking to improve student success should focus on 'subtraction' — removing administrative hurdles — rather than layering on new supports. The authors cited two decades of behavioral interventions showing that streamlining processes, simplifying choices and cutting unnecessary forms can boost persistence and graduation without large new expenditures. The piece urged college leaders to audit friction points across enrollment, financial aid and advising workflows, recommending redesigns that let students focus on learning. The paper framed subtraction as a cost-effective strategy especially useful amid enrollment declines and constrained budgets. Source: opinion feature.