“What’s more, there is no achievement gap at GSU,” wrote Gates. “African-American, Hispanic, and low-income students all graduate at rates at or above those of the student body overall. GSU is one of the only public universities in the country to achieve this goal. And over the last four years, GSU has conferred more degrees to African Americans than any other college or university in the U.S.”

Georgia State has used a method called “predictive analytics,” which takes student data to identify when they need help. The university has hired more advisers in recent years to assist students. GSU has also created programs that award students grants to help them pay tuition after research showed the university some dropped out because of financial hardship. The average award is about $900.