The BACE Index

The Belonging, Acceptance, and Cultural Experience Index in Higher Education, or BACE
Index is an easy assessment tool that measures and represents students’ relative
positioning in navigating the cultural and structural systems of higher education.

What is the BACE Index?

  • BACE is an easy-to-use assessment tool.

  • It helps institutions understand students’ transnational positioning within U.S. higher education contexts.

Purpose of the BACE Index:

  • BACE helps students and families better understand how prior educational, linguistic, and cultural experiences may shape the transition into U.S. higher education.

  • It supports institutions in recognizing the diverse pathways students bring into college.

  • It encourages more inclusive campus policies and programs that reflect students’ transnational backgrounds.