Access Denied at the Very Time of Increased Need for College Graduates

Over the last few months, various public colleges and universities have announced that they are restricting enrollment due to financial reasons.  One example is the University of California institutions.  See this LA Times article for a story about how it is more difficult to get into the UC institutions this fall.  And, the more restrictive admissions are not limited to California.  As this editorial illustrates, Washington is facing the same situation.  Yakima Valley Community College President Linda Kaminski is quoted as saying “its really the end of access.” 

These admissions restrictions come at a time when there are multiple calls for increased access and, more importantly, attainment rates in order for states and our country to remain economically competitive.  While the LA Times article quotes the University of California spokesperson as saying no qualified applicant will go without admission to the UC, it just may not be at the campus they wanted, the fact is that California needs to increase its capacity to produce graduates, not merely hold its own.  That is brought home in an article about a shortage of college graduates in California.  The shortage is so substantial that by 2025 California is projected to have a shortage of 1 million college graduates. 

So, what is the answer to all of this?  As I have noted before, increasing access and attainment rates requires a broader view than merely looking at traditionally-aged students and public colleges and universities.  It will require more attention to helping adults earn degrees.  And, it seems reasonable for states and the nation to leverage the private colleges and universities that can help increase attainment rates to supplement the production of public institutions.  Especially those institutions that use technology to deliver education at a distance to adult students.  A wise state would be one that removes barriers for these institutions to provide programs to its citizens.  For a relatively low investment, these out-of-state institutions can help increase attainment rates and achieve a better economy.  Unfortunately, states sometimes take the opposite approach and make it difficult for the adult serving, online colleges and universities to operate within the state.  That seems very short-sighted. 

Your thoughts? Please leave a comment.

Mike