Email Jared

Jared Colston is an Associate Director of Research at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP). In this role, Jared helps lead the organization’s research and field engagement efforts to advance evidence-based college completion strategies, data and transparency, need-based aid, and postsecondary value.  

Prior to joining IHEP, Jared served as the lead data scientist at the Student Success Through Applied Research (SSTAR) Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While there, he acted as quantitative lead and statistical consultant on several mixed methods program evaluations focused on student financial aid, higher education funding models, and equitable access to postsecondary education. Prior to the SSTAR Lab, Jared served as associate director of research for the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, with a focus on democratizing higher education data. Jared received his Ph.D. in education policy and evaluation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Louisville. 

Jared believes that public goods are foundational for an equitable and just society and that higher education can serve as both a public good and driver of economic and social mobility. He is drawn to IHEP’s work to ensure higher education serves that dual purpose. When he is not thinking about higher education policy, Jared enjoys playing music and reading.