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Bryan J. Cook (he/him/his)

Director of Higher Education Policy
Urban Institute
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Dr. Bryan J. Cook is a nationally recognized higher education policy expert with more than 20 years of experience in research, data, and federal policy. He serves as Director of Higher Education Policy at the Urban Institute, where he leads a team focused on advancing evidence and analysis to inform higher education policy and practice. Since joining Urban in 2021, he has led a substantial portfolio of funded research projects, organized national convenings on major federal policy issues, and authored widely cited publications on college admissions, accountability, equity, and institutional finance.

Before joining Urban, Dr. Cook held senior leadership roles at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the American Dental Education Association, and the American Council on Education. Across these positions, he directed national policy and research initiatives, helped modernize higher education data systems, and advised policymakers on issues including student aid, accountability, admissions, and veteran student success.

Dr. Cook began his career in academic advising and student affairs before transitioning into research and policy analysis, giving him a broad perspective on the connections between student experience, institutional practice, and policymaking. His work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals, policy briefs, and national media outlets including The Washington Post, Politico, CNBC, CNN, and NPR.

He earned his PhD and MA in higher education from the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Miami University.

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