In 2020, 33 states had PBF policies that existed either through state legislation or higher education agency approval, and 41 states have had PBF policies in place at some point since 1997. Unsurprisingly, given the popularity and growth of PBF policies over time, a large body of literature has emerged that examines the intended and unintended consequences of PBF. This literature largely indicates PBF policies have done little to improve degree completion and have resulted in unintended consequences that are likely to widen racial and economic educational disparities. This brief summarizes literature that examines the intended and unintended consequences of PBF and highlights unanswered questions regarding PBF policies. We then offer insight into how new data that our InformEd States team has collected can be leveraged to examine these unanswered questions and inform policymakers regarding how to design equitable and effective PBF policies.
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