Targeting the new degrees to high-income, high-demand job sectors
Virginia cannot achieve the goal of 100,000 additional degrees by using only traditional methods. We must develop innovative new pathways to degree attainment and more efficient approaches for providing educational opportunities while holding down the cost to tax-paying and tuition-paying families.
New technologies for distance learning and online study, more early-college opportunities in high schools, and more transfer options through the community college system are just some of the approaches for achieving greater access to a college education in new, cost-efficient ways.
Higher education restructuring legislation enacted in 2005 and other reforms have enhanced transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency on Virginia’s college campuses. Greater managerial flexibility and relief from unnecessary and costly bureaucratic requirements could reduce costs still further. Most important, Virginia’s leaders need to enact a sustainable, long-term program of higher education investment and innovation that will enable our colleges, universities and community colleges to moderate tuition increases, plan strategically, and manage themselves efficiently.