Nancy Wong
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Nancy Wong is an Associate Director at HCM, where she leverages data and research to support projects focused on postsecondary costs, student success, and the return on investment of a college degree.
Before joining HCM, Nancy was a Research Analyst at the University of Delaware, where she analyzed institutional data and translated key insights to inform institution-wide student success initiatives. For nearly a decade, she also worked as a Qualitative Analyst for Interwoven Insights, a consulting firm specializing in organizational branding and workplace climate.
Prior to these roles, Nancy worked for the University of Maryland, College Park on a Gates-funded grant examining the impact of COVID-19 on college admissions and enrollment. She served as a Senior Research Associate for The Institute for College Access and Success, where she co-led the Project on Student Debt, including the Annual Student Debt Report, and managed the College Insight tool. This work inspired her dissertation research on how student debt affects borrowers and their post-college outcomes.
In addition to her research and analysis skills, Nancy brings extensive project management experience from her work at the Brookings Institution, Florida State University, and the University of Connecticut.
Nancy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, her Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Connecticut, and her doctorate in Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park.
She currently lives in Arlington, VA, where she plays ultimate frisbee, enjoys listening to audiobooks, and loves trying new restaurants.