Bottom Line is launching its college Success program in Ohio for the 2025–26 academic year, providing research-validated, one-on-one advising to undergraduates from under-resourced communities. The program uses the DEAL curriculum – degree, employability, affordability and life – to guide students through course selection, financial literacy, wellness and career preparation for up to six years. Nearly all local participants come from low-income households, and 84 percent are first-generation college students, making this support critical for persistence and graduation. A rigorous randomized controlled trial shows Bottom Line students are 23 percent more likely to graduate within four years, and graduates typically earn twice their family’s income. Funds will be used to cover program costs, ensuring more Ohio students achieve the transformative benefits of a bachelor’s degree.
