In an effort to increase state money flowing to universities, Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, has outlined a plan that ties funds to students graduating from college earlier and willing to pursue high demand engineering and computer degrees.
The money, a net increase of $1.7 billion over two years for schools, also would be tied to the students more than to the institutions they attend. And part of the program would be linked to a new, nonbinding exam that students would have to take before they graduate – a kind of TAKS goes to college.
We're looking at an entirely new way of funding higher ed," Mr. Perry said. "If lawmakers adopt this plan, the ultimate result will be a higher-education system that is more affordable, more accountable and more focused on meeting the needs of tomorrow's global market."
The plan does not directly address or give relief to the rising tuition costs that are currently causing stress to parents and students. Mr. Perry and the Texas Legislature removed a state mandated cap on tuition four years ago, causing an average increase for tuition and fees of about 40 percent across the state.
Governor Perry's plan also looks at college students, their progress, and the scores they make on newly created exit exams. Failing the exam would not prevent a student from graduating, but it would cost the school incentive money. If students had to take licensing exams, they would be exempt from the new exams created by the state. Mr. Perry feels that the exams would give parents and consumers a way to evaluate the quality and performance of a college or university.
James Huffines, chairman of the University of Texas board of regents, welcomed the plan, saying, "We're talking about a major infusion of new funds." He said he did not know how that might affect tuition rates at the flagship university in Austin.
The article in the Dallas Morning News also notes that in Texas, 43 percent of college students fail to graduate within six years. Mr. Perry wants students to graduate on time and get out into the workforce.
Under the governor's plan, students would be eligible for a grant if they showed financial need and had a 3.0 high school grade point average. But if they graduated from college with a 3.0 GPA and on time – four years for most bachelor's degrees – the grant would be forgiven.
The plan will be reviewed in the Legislature. I can't help but feel empathy for those students who want to take a little extra time to enjoy the college life.