Business Details
Advancing Equity and Affordability in Higher Education
The Ticas (TICAS) is a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing student-centered public policies that promote affordability, accountability, and equity in higher education. Founded on the principle that every student deserves access to quality education without excessive debt, we combine rigorous research with passionate advocacy to shape federal and state policies. Our work focuses on critical issues such as student loan debt reform, financial aid accessibility, and institutional accountability, ensuring students from all backgrounds can pursue college credentials with confidence.Through partnerships with policymakers, educators, and community leaders, we drive evidence-based solutions to close opportunity gaps and foster economic mobility. With decades of collective experience, our team of experts provides authoritative analysis and actionable recommendations to improve higher education outcomes nationwide. We maintain a steadfast commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and prioritizing student needs in all our initiatives.
Services
Higher Education Research
Policy Advocacy
Student Debt Analysis
Equity Programs
Affordability Initiatives
Highlights and features
- We conduct in-depth research to inform student-centered policies
- Our advocacy spans federal and state levels in key regions
- We focus on reducing student debt and promoting equity
- We collaborate with diverse stakeholders for impactful solutions
- Our expertise shapes national higher education reforms
Services
Higher Education Research
Our research team analyzes college access, affordability, and completion trends to develop data-driven policy recommendations. We examine student debt patterns, financial aid effectiveness, and institutional accountability metrics to identify systemic barriers. Our findings directly inform legislative and regulatory reforms at both state and federal levels.
Policy Advocacy
We engage in strategic advocacy to shape education policies that prioritize student needs. This includes drafting model legislation, testifying before congressional committees, and mobilizing grassroots campaigns. Our efforts focus on expanding need-based aid programs and strengthening consumer protections for borrowers.
Student Debt Analysis
We track national and state-level student debt trends, with particular emphasis on racial and socioeconomic disparities. Our analyses of loan repayment systems and forgiveness programs help shape reforms to prevent predatory lending practices and reduce financial burdens on vulnerable populations.
Equity Programs
Our equity-focused programs address systemic barriers in higher education through targeted policy interventions. We work to eliminate restrictions on financial aid eligibility for marginalized groups and promote inclusive campus support systems that improve graduation rates among underrepresented students.
Affordability Initiatives
We advocate for expanding Pell Grants and state need-based aid programs while promoting institutional cost containment strategies. Our initiatives aim to reduce textbook expenses, streamline financial aid processes, and increase transparency around college pricing structures.
People
Ellie Bruecker
Director of Research
Dr. Bruecker leads TICAS' research team in conducting data analysis to inform education policy reforms. She specializes in equity-focused studies on college affordability and student outcomes.
Valerie Crespo-Trujillo
Director, College Completion Policy
Valerie directs efforts to align state and federal investments with evidence-based student support programs. Her work focuses on improving graduation rates through comprehensive institutional reforms.
Lydia Franz
Senior Policy Associate
Lydia specializes in federal accountability policies, advocating for protections against predatory colleges and equitable outcomes for all students through regulatory reforms.
Christopher Madaio
Senior Advisor
Christopher works with policymakers and attorneys general to develop accountability measures that protect students' educational investments and prevent institutional misconduct.
Michele Zampini
Associate Vice President
Michele leads federal policy initiatives focused on strengthening financial aid systems and reforming student loan repayment structures to improve borrower outcomes.
Questions
What is TICAS' primary mission?
We advocate for affordable, equitable higher education through research and policy reform, ensuring students can pursue college credentials without excessive debt.
Which states does TICAS work in?
We focus on California, Michigan, and New York while also influencing national education policies at the federal level.
How does TICAS address student debt?
We analyze debt trends, advocate for loan forgiveness programs, and work to prevent risky borrowing through institutional accountability measures.
What policy areas does TICAS prioritize?
Our key focus areas include financial aid reform, college affordability, student debt relief, and institutional accountability policies.
How can I access TICAS research?
All our research reports and policy briefs are available for free download on our website's publications section.
Does TICAS offer direct student services?
We focus on systemic policy change rather than direct services, but our work improves conditions for millions of students nationwide.
