The Challenge
Higher education leaders needed a shared, finance-informed approach to student success. Institutions lacked practical tools to connect financial decisions with student outcomes.
About the Hub
The NACUBO Student Success Hub was built by and for higher education leaders — connecting financial decision-making with measurable student outcomes through practical, research-backed tools.
Why We Built the Hub
The complexity of resource allocation decisions, combined with the urgency of improving student outcomes, demanded a new kind of platform — one built collaboratively by practitioners, for practitioners.
Our Approach
NACUBO convened 26 community-based organizations to co-develop research-backed, practitioner-tested tools through a collaborative development process.
The Result
A free, growing collection of toolkits that help colleges and universities align resource allocation with student success — used by 911+ institutions nationwide.
Built Together, Not in Isolation
The Hub was developed through a collaborative model where 26 community-based organizations worked alongside NACUBO to identify challenges, prototype solutions, and test tools in real institutional settings.
This practitioner-driven approach ensures every toolkit addresses real problems and delivers practical value — not theoretical frameworks that sit on a shelf.
26Community-Based Organizations
collaborative partners
911+Institutions
actively engaged
2,213Active Users
and growing
11Toolkits
research-backed
Partners and Collaborators
The Hub is strengthened by partnerships with organizations committed to improving student outcomes in higher education.
Governance and Stewardship
The Hub is stewarded by NACUBO with guidance from member institutions and national partners to ensure resources stay relevant and practical.
NACUBO Stewardship
The Hub is maintained and governed by NACUBO, ensuring alignment with higher education finance best practices and institutional needs.
Member Guidance
Advisory input from member institutions and national partners keeps resources relevant, practical, and responsive to the evolving landscape.
Regular Updates
Toolkits are reviewed and updated on a regular cadence to reflect new research, policy changes, and practitioner feedback.
Open Access
All toolkits are free to access with a registered account. Public descriptions and resources are available without login.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NACUBO Student Success Hub?
The NACUBO Student Success Hub is a free collection of practical toolkits, research, and resources designed to help higher education institutions align their financial decisions with student success outcomes. It provides business officers and campus leaders with actionable frameworks for budgeting, data governance, and resource allocation.
Who can access the toolkits?
The toolkits are freely available to all higher education professionals. While NACUBO membership is not required to access the Hub, members receive additional benefits including priority access to new releases, exclusive webinars, and implementation coaching support.
How do I get started with the toolkits?
Start by exploring the Browse Toolkits page and using the guided filter to find toolkits that match your institution's priorities. Each toolkit includes step-by-step instructions, templates, and supporting resources. We recommend beginning with one toolkit and assembling a small cross-functional team to guide the implementation.
Can multiple team members collaborate on toolkit implementation?
Yes, the toolkits are designed for team-based implementation. Cross-functional collaboration is one of the strongest predictors of implementation success. We recommend involving representatives from finance, academic affairs, institutional research, and student services for the best outcomes.
How often are toolkits and resources updated?
Toolkits are reviewed and updated annually based on user feedback, emerging research, and evolving best practices. New resources and case studies are added throughout the year. Subscribe to the NACUBO newsletter or check the What's New section to stay informed about updates.
Are there implementation support resources available?
Yes. Each toolkit includes implementation guides and templates. Additionally, NACUBO offers periodic webinars, peer learning cohorts, and a community of practice where institutions can share strategies and lessons learned. NACUBO members also have access to one-on-one implementation coaching.
How were the use cases developed?
The use cases document real experiences from 22 institutions that implemented Hub toolkits as part of a NACUBO grant-funded initiative. Each institution worked with NACUBO facilitators to customize toolkit resources, implement improvement projects, and document their outcomes over 12 to 18 months.
Can I customize the toolkits for my institution?
Absolutely. The toolkits are intentionally designed to be flexible and customizable. Templates, assessment instruments, and frameworks can all be adapted to fit your institution's unique context, goals, and governance structures. The use cases section showcases how other institutions have successfully customized these resources.
What types of institutions have used the Hub?
Institutions of all types and sizes have benefited from the Hub, including community colleges, state universities, private universities, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The 22 documented use cases represent institutions across 14 states with enrollments ranging from 1,400 to 72,000 students.
How can I share feedback or suggest new resources?
We welcome your feedback. Visit the Contact page to share suggestions, report issues, or propose new toolkit topics. User feedback directly informs our annual toolkit review process and helps prioritize new resource development. You can also reach us through the NACUBO member community forums.
Have more questions? Contact Us
This Work Is Generously Funded By
The Hub is made possible through the generous support of our funding partners and the ongoing collaboration of institutions nationwide.
Questions About the Hub?
Whether you want to learn more about how the Hub was built, explore partnership opportunities, or get help using our toolkits — our team is here to help.