As part of its efforts to prepare for the future, Reach Higher Montana embarked to study the current state of college access and success in Montana. The result is this gap analysis report, which highlights areas of progress and areas of need if Montana wishes to provide higher education opportunities for all students. The data will help Reach Higher Montana’s governing body – the Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corporation (MHESAC) board – identify strategic priorities specifically for fiscal years 2019 through 2021. The data analyzed generally falls into five broad categories: Academic Preparation, Access, Affordability, Awareness, and Aspirations. While not mutually exclusive, these broad categories provide context for the areas which help students succeed in higher education.