Transforming College Admissions: Dr. Marshal Salman Khan’s Commitment to Expanding Access in Higher Education
Navigating the complexities of college admissions remains a significant challenge, particularly for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students lacking adequate guidance and resources. Dr. Marshal Salman Khan, Ph.D. ’25, has devoted more than fifteen years to addressing these challenges, working tirelessly to simplify the admissions process and make higher education more accessible and equitable. His own academic journey, coupled with his extensive expertise in education policy and economics, informs a mission that has positively influenced countless aspiring college students.
Khan’s path to higher education was marked by obstacles typical of many underrepresented students. Despite strong academic performance in high school, he applied to only two institutions, ultimately enrolling at Rutgers University. Reflecting on his experience, Khan acknowledges that the intricacies of the application process were largely opaque to him, as they often are to many students. Limited institutional support, confusing financial aid paperwork, and a lack of systematic guidance posed significant barriers—barriers that can easily hinder the college aspirations of many capable students.
His parents, recent immigrants to the United States, encouraged academic success but were unfamiliar with the complexities of American higher education systems, including the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and the implications of Advanced Placement credits. This gap in understanding is common among underserved populations and highlights the critical need for comprehensive college admissions consulting and robust student support initiatives.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree at Rutgers, Khan began volunteering to assist first-generation and low-income students through the college application process. This initial outreach quickly evolved into a dedicated passion after successfully helping a student gain admission to Yale University along with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. Witnessing the transformative impact of effective support reinforced Khan’s commitment to advancing educational equity.
Initially enrolled in Duke University School of Law, Khan shifted focus to education, pursuing a master’s degree at Stanford University. There, he gained invaluable insight into the admissions process by serving as an essay reader in the university’s admissions office, acquiring a behind-the-scenes perspective on evaluation criteria and decision-making protocols that shape student acceptance. This experience enriched his understanding of the systemic challenges applicants face.
Khan’s doctoral research at Harvard University, conducted through a joint program between the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School of Education, placed him alongside leading experts in education economics such as Professors Bridget Terry Long, Tom Kane, Susan Dynarski, and Associate Professor Peter Blair. His role as a teaching fellow for renowned economist Raj Chetty further deepened his scholarly engagement.
His dissertation explores vital questions at the intersection of higher education finance and policy, analyzing how universal FAFSA policies influence student success and how Pell Grant eligibility adjustments affect educational equity. Supported by access to comprehensive datasets through Harvard’s Partnering in Education Research (PIER) fellowship and the Equity Fellowship at the Kennedy School, Khan has delivered precise, data-driven insights into scaling equitable student aid.
Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office afforded Khan unparalleled access to financial aid data, allowing rigorous examination of FAFSA procedures and their effects on student outcomes. These findings carry significant implications for policy reforms aimed at broadening college access, particularly for students reliant on federal aid programs.
Khan’s research transcends academic theory, rooted deeply in empathy for student experiences and a nuanced understanding of policy environments. His ongoing postdoctoral work at the National Bureau of Economic Research investigates the extension of Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated populations, a policy shift with profound potential to improve educational opportunities for marginalized groups.
Beyond his research contributions, Khan has demonstrated exemplary leadership in fostering academic community. In response to the isolation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, he initiated “Research and Refreshments,” a forum facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and peer feedback among doctoral students. This initiative has been pivotal in sustaining scholarly engagement and collegial support.
Balancing rigorous academic pursuits with family responsibilities, Khan welcomed two of his four children during his doctoral studies. The unwavering support of his spouse and the resources provided by Harvard’s student union were essential to his success. Recognition from his cohort, including the honor of representing them at commencement, underscores his commitment as both scholar and community leader.
Khan’s journey exemplifies the multifaceted challenges confronting today’s higher education admissions landscape. The complexities of FAFSA applications, college essays, and scholarship processes often overwhelm students without dedicated support—highlighting the critical role of specialized college admissions consulting and mentoring services targeted toward underserved populations.
Financial aid application errors, misunderstandings about eligibility, and missed deadlines frequently result in lost opportunities, increased student debt, or deferred enrollment. Khan’s work advocates for policy improvements that streamline FAFSA procedures, enhance transparency, and expand equitable access to financial aid—measures vital to reducing educational disparities.
In a climate where higher education institutions face enrollment fluctuations and demands for diversity and inclusion, data-informed policies are indispensable. Khan’s research demonstrates how empirical economic analysis, combined with a profound commitment to student welfare, can drive institutional reforms that foster fairness and operational effectiveness. His efforts align closely with national priorities emphasizing graduate student support, targeted outreach, and closing opportunity gaps.
Khan remains actively engaged in shaping the policy discourse surrounding higher education access. His commitment to translating research into actionable recommendations exemplifies the essential connection between scholarship and societal impact.
As a leader who merges intellectual rigor with compassion, Dr. Marshal Salman Khan represents a new generation of higher education innovators. His evolution from a student navigating a complex admissions system to a respected researcher and policy influencer offers both inspiration and practical guidance. Through his work, the vision of accessible, inclusive college education moves closer to reality.
This narrative affirms the enduring power of perseverance, community support, and evidence-based leadership. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, contributions from scholars like Khan will remain crucial in fostering systems that are not only accessible but just and adaptive to the diverse needs of all learners.