Through the task force and after years of analysis, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recently published a report that identified key focus areas for states as they consider where to put their higher education dollars. Above all, focusing on post-graduation success, on-time completion, and affordability is key to achieving positive outcomes for students. 

In this article, state legislators and others can find actionable ways to ensure state citizens have access to high-value degrees.

Renewing Education’s Promise: Degrees that Lead to Desirable Career and Life Outcomes

At WGU, our mission is to ensure higher education provides pathways to opportunity. We believe the promise of education is the promise of a better life–a better career and greater opportunities. It’s why we’re laser-focused on providing accessible career-aligned degrees with real ROI. 

Here’s what states can do to ensure the degrees available lead to desirable career and life outcomes.

1. Develop Comprehensive Education and Workforce Data Systems

It’s difficult to evaluate success without clear and accurate data baselines. Building a system of accurate student outcomes data is a critical first step for improving the value of college degrees. For this data to be actionable, it must be available, accessible, and clear. Creating a robust framework with metrics to assess student outcomes can validate and inform postsecondary decisions.

2. Evaluate and Support Degree Programs

State legislatures may consider mandating that higher education boards assess the success of degree programs across the state. While these boards currently authorize institutions and approve new programs, they can also be tasked with ongoing evaluations to ensure that programs are leading to positive outcomes for students.

3. Create College and Career Planning Tools 

Navigating the path from high school to college and careers can be challenging. States have the opportunity to develop or coordinate resources that help all learners understand how degree choices align with career opportunities. Utilizing technology can make this information accessible and affordable for students and families, guiding them through their educational and career options. At WGU Academy, we aim to provide pathways for students who aren’t quite ready for a full degree program. Programs like these could be implemented and emphasized across all states.

Student Progress: On-Time and At Their Pace

At WGU, we require on-time progress to ensure students stay motivated and on-track to a degree. Helping students graduate on time and often ahead of schedule is key to ensuring their degree program values their time and gets them to their future faster. 

We also have a competency-based model, where we measure progress by assessments, not classes. This unique approach allows students to move quickly through material they already know, often allowing them to graduate in fewer semesters.

 Here’s what states can do to help students complete degree programs on time and at their own pace.

1. Create Articulation Agreements for Easy Credit Transfer

States could establish statewide or systemwide agreements that make it easy for students to transfer credits between institutions and degree programs. State legislatures can leverage their authority to develop these agreements, which are particularly useful in states with multiple higher education systems. Providing clear outcomes data can also help students understand potential credit loss when transferring. Additionally, states might consider facilitating reverse transfer programs, allowing students with credits from different institutions to earn an associate’s degree. 

2. Reconnect Adult Learners to Higher Education

Nearly 37 million working-age adults have some college credit but no degree. States might focus on identifying these individuals and outreach efforts to encourage them to complete their degrees at institutions that meet their current lifestyle needs. States can play an important role in connecting these adult learners with opportunities and could offer scholarships or support to help them return and finish their education. 

3. Address Students' Basic Needs

States can work to better connect postsecondary students with available state and federal benefits to support their education. This could include implementing benefits navigators to help students access resources. States may also explore ways to help more students qualify for benefits like SNAP by utilizing exemptions for those enrolled in training programs. Some states have already initiated programs aimed at meeting college students’ basic needs.

Reasonable Tuition Costs Aligned with Potential Career Earning Outcomes

At WGU, tuition is assessed as a flat rate per six-month term. These six-month tuition prices are tailored to specific programs. Students who prove competency can work through their program faster to earn a degree for less. Average yearly tuition at WGU is about half the national average. Additionally, we focus on offering high-value degrees in high-demand fields including IT, healthcare, business, and education.

Here’s how states can help ensure the tuition price students pay for on-time completion is reasonable relative to program costs, a student’s income, and the earning outcomes for potential career pathways.

1. Develop Long-Term Funding Plans

States may consider creating long-term strategies for funding higher education that focus on affordability and student success. Currently, many states use a year-to-year funding approach, which can lead to uncertainty. By establishing clear, long-term funding commitments linked to affordability and student outcomes, legislatures can promote stable funding that encourages institutions to lower costs. This partnership can help ensure that financial support is consistent and that tuition prices remain manageable for students. 

2. Expand Dual Enrollment Opportunities

Offering dual or concurrent enrollment options allows high school students to earn college credits, helping them graduate faster and saving money on tuition and living expenses. It's important that these courses align with degree pathways and that credits earned are valid toward degree requirements at public institutions. 

3. Enhance Budget Transparency

Legislatures can encourage public transparency of higher education budgets. Building strong partnerships between legislative leaders and higher education officials also helps to promote affordability goals.

4. Create Targeted Scholarships or Loan Forgiveness Programs

As states identify programs that lead to in-demand careers, they can implement targeted financial support. This might include scholarships or loan forgiveness initiatives specifically designed to reduce the financial burden on students pursuing degrees in critical fields. Additionally, providing direct support to institutions can help lower tuition for these programs.

Improving the Value of Higher Education, Together

At WGU, we’re committed to making higher education work for everyone. To support this mission, we must unite our efforts, always ensuring the success of individual students is the top priority. 

Contact us to learn more about how we can help build educational pathways to opportunity in your state.  

WGU applauds the new NCSL report entitled A State-Led Strategy to Enhance the Value of Degrees and highlights 10 of the policy recommendations in the task force’s report