Describing and Differentiating Four-Year Broad Access Institutions: An Empirical Typology

Study of four-year broad access institutions (BAIs) is important given their influence on postsecondary educational opportunities and the continued importance of the bachelor's degree in earnings premiums and critical social and civic outcomes. Descriptive results add to current understanding regarding heterogeneity of four-year BAIs by identifying sizable differences within such public and private four-year institutions. Additionally, cluster analysis findings extend Carnegie's inclusiveness category by grouping public and private four-year BAIs into more meaningful categories. Results contribute evidence that the concept of "inclusivity" is important, complex, and must be considered through a multi-dimensional research and policy lens.