New studies and program launches link targeted student‑success interventions to better career outcomes. Georgia State’s student‑success efforts—learning communities, microgrants, proactive advising and summer credit programs—were tied to higher completion rates and stronger earnings for alumni in a recent NISS and Burning Glass analysis. Separately, the Department of Education opened the public comment window for Workforce Pell regulations to expand Pell to short workforce programs; governors and state workforce boards will shape program eligibility. Colleges are pushing evidence‑based designs to connect credentials with employer demand.