This report outlines the findings from a national study commissioned by the Australian government to determine the high-level factors that impact on the success and retention of students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds at regional universities.

The study found that the eight factors were:

• resilience,
• relatives,
• revenue,
• reliable technology,
• respect,
• relationships,
• reality checks and;
• really good teaching. 

The evidence gathered also led to the identification of five policy areas where future research and policy reform should be focused. These are:

• ensuring financial stability for students; 
• defining, measuring and monitoring ‘attrition’ differently;
• valuing staged and micro qualifications;
• leveraging existing regional and rural infrastructure, and;
• regional school investment.