Socio-economic gaps remain a serious hindrance to the accessibility and retention of higher education, especially for those coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The initiative of educational subsidies has recently emerged as a major policy imperative to bridge the said gaps. This research endeavors a descriptive-evaluative case study to present a comprehensive critical assessment of the accessibility, effectiveness, and academic outcomes associated with the initiation of educational subsidies by the local government, with special emphasis on the Baao Educational Subsidy Program at Camarines Sur, Philippines. The case study adopted a structured survey to investigate the attitude of a convenience sample of 30 randomly identified college student-beneficiaries of the subsidy initiative. The results obtained from both approaches confirm that administrative simplicity, open process, and on-time distribution of funds are key considerations for individual positive experiences and outcomes to prevail. The Baao case, in addition, illustrates how the subsidy initiative abets a reduced concern with finances, increased focus on academic activities, and increased retention at higher learning institutions.