Laura Perna

Laura Perna is a Professor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Education, serving as the founding Executive Director of the Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy (Penn AHEAD). She joined Penn in 2005 as an Associate Professor and was promoted to full Professor in 2010. Prior roles include faculty positions at the University of Maryland, leadership roles at the Frederick Patterson Research Institute, and institutional research directorships.

Her research focuses on addressing gaps in educational attainment by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. She employs mixed methods to analyze public policies and institutional practices influencing college enrollment and success, particularly for underrepresented groups. Central themes include grant aid efficacy, college promise programs, and the intersection of work and higher education.

Her recent scholarship explores equity in college access, state policy impacts, and the role of rankings in higher education. She has authored numerous policy briefs and academic works, including the Indicators of Higher Education Equity series. Perna’s work bridges research and advocacy, influencing federal and state education policies.