University study finds low-cost tutoring boosts student success

A study conducted by economists from the University of Maryland and the University of Pittsburgh suggests that low-cost interventions can significantly improve academic performance and retention among vulnerable students. The research focused on first-generation college students, who often face unique financial and social obstacles due to a lack of familial academic guidance.

The intervention involved a peer-tutoring program where older students provided 20-minute weekly sessions to freshmen. These meetings focused on practical organizational skills, such as time management, study strategies, and exam planning. The program cost approximately $52 per student per semester, primarily to compensate tutors. Results showed a tangible increase in semester completion rates and higher average grades compared to a control group.