On the Edge: Growth and Access in Four Western States
Introduction
Most western states face significant population growth in the coming decade that will further stress state and higher education resources. With projected increases in high school graduation rates ranging from -14 to +64 percent among WICHE states between 1995 and 2005, policymakers seek new and diverse approaches to their individual state needs. While growth management strategies vary somewhat across states, four high-growth states--California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington--have identified several approaches. These include: deciding who should receive priority for first access to higher education with full state subsidy; limiting the state undergraduate subsidy at four-year colleges, making greater use of independent colleges and universities and the proprietary vocational sector; expanding joint high school/postsecondary efforts to improve the preparation of college-bound students; incorporating technology to improve learning and reduce costs; certifying competencies as a way of reducing time to degree and expenditures; tying admission index scores to student success; reducing program offerings; improving deployment of faculty, administrators, and staff; guaranteeing course availability; eliminating remedial courses; privatizing selected programs; improving student transfer; expanding use of existing facilities and developing joint facility use; considering institutional restructuring plans; and seeking additional state funding.
California