# Stop-Outs, Transfers, and ROI: The Data Already Exists and You're Not Using It

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/changing-higher-ed-205463/stop-outs-transfers-and-roi-the-data-already-exists-and-you-re-not-using-it
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/changing-higher-ed-205463/stop-outs-transfers-and-roi-the-data-already-exists-and-you-re-not-using-it.md
Podcast: [Changing Higher Ed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/changing-higher-ed-205463)
Published: 2026-02-10T18:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://changinghighered.com/racking-stop-outs-transfers-and-roi-across-the-full-student-journey/
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/changinghighered/CHE-298_-_Melba_Amissi_FINAL.mp3?dest-id=751925
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/changing-higher-ed-205463/episodes/stop-outs-transfers-and-roi-the-data-already-exists-and-you-re-not-using-it
Duration seconds: 2219

## Resource

Higher education is under mounting pressure to prove its value. But the data institutions need to respond already exists — most are just not using it strategically. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast , Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Melba Amissi, Chief Customer and Operations Officer at the National Student Clearinghouse , about how the Clearinghouse's cross-institutional data can help college presidents and boards navigate the accountability, affordability, and workforce alignment challenges reshaping higher education. Drawing on a career in financial services, fraud analytics, cybersecurity, and operational transformation, Amissi brings an outsider's perspective to higher ed — one grounded in measurable outcomes and data-driven decision-making. She and Dr. McNaughton explore why institutions must embrace non-linear student pathways, improve credit mobility, strengthen employer partnerships, and lead with transparency to maintain public trust and institutional viability. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders grappling with how to demonstrate return on investment, serve the growing stop-out population, and align programs with workforce needs in a rapidly shifting political and economic landscape. Topics Covered: The National Student Clearinghouse's role beyond compliance reporting — as a strategic benchmarking and analytics resource Why 42 million adults with some college and no credential represent both a challenge and an opportunity How credit mobility and articulation agreements affect enrollment competitiveness The Workforce Pell negotiated rulemaking process and its implications for program design Why workforce alignment should be an "and," not an "or" alongside liberal education How the FAFSA will now warn students a…

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