Post-Secondary Education

The importance of postsecondary education has increased significantly in the last decade.  A high school diploma is no longer sufficient in the 21st century.  In order to be successful in today’s global economy a person must receive some form of postsecondary education.  And, the economic stability of the state is tied to citizens who are employed and productive. 

With this in mind, state legislatures have been working hard on issues related to postsecondary education funding, access, and accountability.  However, the challenges facing postsecondary education are no longer limited to these traditional issues.  The world of higher education is dramatically changing.  States are rethinking the role of public support to higher education; new alternative providers have entered the marketplace; students want and need different things from higher education.   The student population is more diverse than ever before -- many students are attending school part-time or are adult learners with different needs than traditional students.  Some states are experiencing significant enrollment growth, while others face a declining student population.  Yet, states want their systems of higher education to deliver high quality education to all students and be accountable to the public.  As a result, states face multiple challenges in designing a system of higher education that will continue to be the best in the world.