MHEC supports member states through critical data and applied research.

MHEC produces research and analysis that helps state policymakers and institutional leaders strengthen postsecondary education systems across the Midwest and beyond. Research publications address in the following areas:

  • Affordability and Finance: Insights into how state funding and financial aid shape college access, affordability, and completion.
  • Readiness and Success: Research on strategies that improve academic preparation, student engagement, and degree completion.
  • Pathways and Workforce: Analysis focused on strengthening the education-to-workforce pipeline, addressing critical workforce shortages, and equipping individuals with skills for a changing economy.
  • Data and Performance: Research that provides trend data and performance indicators to assess the condition of state P–16 systems and support continuous improvement.

State Performance Updates

February 25, 2025

A supplement to the Higher Education in Focus 2019, providing the latest data related to education attainment for each MHEC state.

State Higher Education Financing Models

March 1, 2017

A brief addressing four areas in which state policymakers can learn to strengthen higher education financing systems from practices in other states and from sound public policy design.

Software Solutions

September 1, 2015

An overview of student success software and findings from the nascent body of student outcomes research.