The 275-page study looks closely at how colleges are developing special programs to retain at risk populations such as students in need of remedial help, immigrants, students with limited financial means, and other categories of student at risk of withdrawal. The study examines the effectiveness of programs in remedial mathematics and writing, English as a Second Language, special programs for at-risk veterans, financial literacy programs, specialized tutoring, and other programs and approaches designed to identify and help students at risk of withdrawal. The study helps administrators to answer questions such as: what are the most effective methods of helping such students? Tutoring? Counseling? Peer Advising? Specialized classes? How are such programs paid for? What kinds of programs get the most budgetary support? What is the role of grants and other forms of outside support? How are programs assessed?