Postsecondary Success Notes | February 2025

Dear Colleagues –

Last fall, I had the opportunity to spend time on a college campus, something that brings me immense joy! Visiting Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) and engaging in a meaningful conversation with one of my higher ed heroes, California State University Chancellor Millie García, made this experience even more impactful. While on campus, we filmed a video (check it out!) and spoke with students to explore a critical question: How do we ensure postsecondary education delivers real value for all students?

Why It Matters

The value of a college degree is increasingly under scrutiny. While data continue to show that education beyond high school remains a key pathway to economic mobility, we must acknowledge that too many students struggle to see a return on their investment. The work being done at CSUF and across the California State University (CSU) system proves that student-centered policies and practices can drive real results.

A Campus Leading on Economic Mobility

CSUF, which serves the largest student body of the CSU system, has been nationally recognized for its commitment to advancing economic mobility. And much of that growth is owed to Chancellor García’s efforts during her time as CSUF president, where she implemented data-driven interventions, expanded student support programs, and increased philanthropic funding to improve student success – leading to higher graduation rates and reduced access and outcome gaps. Chancellor García has been a long-standing champion for ensuring all students—regardless of background—have access to a high-value degree, and it was a privilege exchanging ideas with her about our work in the space.

Squaring the Circle: Access, Completion, and Value

For too long, higher education conversations solely focused on access and affordability, often missing a critical piece of the equation: completion and outcomes. Students deserve not only to enter college but to graduate with a degree that leads to economic security and career fulfillment. During our visit to CSUF, we met with students from the Center for Scholars, who shared their perspectives on what makes college worth it. Their insights reinforced that a valuable degree is not just about earning potential, it’s about purpose, opportunity, and community impact. That’s why our work at the Gates Foundation is centered on postsecondary value—ensuring that all students, particularly those the data show are often furthest from opportunity, such as students from low-income backgrounds and communities of color, see tangible benefits from their education.

What’s Next

Achieving meaningful progress requires collective action. Institutions like CSUF and the greater Cal State system are leading the way, demonstrating intentional strategies—such as strengthening financial aid policies, expanding academic support, and engaging students who came close to finishing their degree but need a bit of extra support to get over the finish line—can move the needle on student success. But there’s more work to do.

To learn more about my visit to CSUF and my conversation with Chancellor García, check out my blog post and watch our video.

Regards,

Patrick Methvin
Director, Postsecondary Success