A recent legislative audit has highlighted potential challenges facing public colleges and universities in Utah, particularly concerning student enrollment and competition with private educational institutions. The report suggests that, without significant intervention, Utah’s higher education system may encounter serious difficulties due to a predicted decline in student numbers. This decline is associated with an increase in private education options and changes in degree requirements set by employers.
Challenges Identified in the Utah Higher Education System
The audit identifies “unhealthy competition” within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) that may impede the viability of certain institutions. To remain competitive and attract students, the report recommends that the education system align its programs with future labor market demands, emphasizing those that enhance student employability.
Return on Investment Framework Recommendation
One of the primary recommendations is for the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to create a standardized framework for assessing the return on investment for college programs. This would include an evaluation of program costs and completion rates. There is an implication that some programs may need to be scaled back or phased out in favor of more effective alternatives, a point that has prompted skepticism from some lawmakers.
Concerns on Data-Driven Evaluations
Concerns have been raised by House Minority Leader Angela Romero regarding the reliance on data-driven metrics for evaluating academic programs. She argues that such an approach may undervalue programs contributing to personal development and enrichment, a perspective based on her experiences at the University of Utah.
Workforce Participation of Graduates
The audit further indicates that approximately 40% of graduates from certain programs are not in the workforce within five years of graduation, a statistic that university leaders may need to address as they evaluate program effectiveness.
Disparities in Graduation Rates
House Speaker Mike Schultz noted disparities in graduation rates among specialized programs across various institutions, citing a program that graduated only 14 students in 2022 from four colleges and another that produced just 20 graduates. He contends that such data illustrates a misallocation of resources, failing to effectively meet statewide workforce needs.
Future Enrollment Declines
Looking forward, the audit forecasts that, while Utah’s higher education institutions are presently experiencing growth expected to continue until 2028, a decline in overall enrollment will likely begin thereafter due to decreasing birth rates. By 2060, it is projected that the school-age population will make up only 15% of the total population.
Strategies for Mitigating Enrollment Issues
Auditors have urged USHE to adapt its strategies to mitigate enrollment declines and optimize resource utilization. They also pointed out certain bachelor’s programs that yield low post-graduation wages, with many graduates earning below 150% of the poverty line five years after completing their degrees.
Analysis of High-Demand Job Sectors
The study includes analyses of high-demand job sectors, such as nursing and software engineering. Findings show an increase in nursing graduates from both public and non-traditional programs, while public colleges have sustained their enrollment levels in software engineering, attributed to targeted legislative funding.
Support for Audit Findings
Geoffrey Landward, Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education, has expressed support for the audit, emphasizing the necessity of adapting the higher education system to evolving demographics and changing perceptions of educational value. He anticipates continued collaboration with legislative bodies to improve budgeting and investment decisions at the institutional level.
Importance of Educational and Industry Partnerships
Additionally, Landward has highlighted the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and industries to create training programs aligned with high-demand jobs. The report advocates for a collective approach among Utah’s public colleges, suggesting that enhanced cooperation could be more beneficial than competition among institutions.
Comprehensive Assessment of Higher Education
The audit provides a comprehensive assessment of Utah’s higher education landscape and offers recommendations aimed at ensuring its ongoing relevance and sustainability in light of anticipated demographic changes and labor market shifts.
(Source: Utah News Dispatch)