Abstract
This study evaluates whether informing students about their eligibility for need-based financial aid influences their college enrollment and matriculation decisions. In partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), the research team will conduct a randomized controlled trial to measure the causal impact of sending informational letters to students about the Bold Promise program, a tuition assistance initiative that covers tuition and fees for eligible Texas residents from families earning under $100,000 per year.
The study sample consists of San Antonio ISD high school students who have already applied to UTSA, are in the top 25% of their class, and are identified as having financial need based on eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL). Half of these students will be randomly assigned to receive a letter (via mail or email) informing them that they are likely eligible for the Bold Promise program and explaining how the program works. The other half will receive no additional communication beyond UTSA’s standard outreach. The intervention does not alter students’ actual eligibility or award status; it merely provides information.
The experiment will estimate the intent-to-treat effect of receiving this informational letter on students’ college enrollment and matriculation at UTSA. Secondary analyses will examine impacts on FAFSA completion, financial aid receipt, and enrollment timing. Results will inform how proactive communication about aid eligibility can improve access to higher education for low-income, high-achieving students.