Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

by Presidents Forum | Dec 18, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

The big picture

College leaders Sue Ellspermann (Ivy Tech) and Justin Lonon (Dallas College) discuss how their institutions are tackling affordability by eliminating textbook costs and putting students first.

Why it matters

Their initiatives have saved students millions while improving academic outcomes and retention rates.

Key takeaways:

Both institutions eliminated profits from textbook sales
Early access to materials improved student success rates
Low-income and underrepresented students saw the biggest gains • Technology and AI will continue driving costs down

AI in Teacher Education

by Presidents Forum | Dec 17, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Video

AI in Teacher Education

The big picture

Education schools are grappling with AI integration, with concerns about plagiarism dominating the conversation and faculty confidence remaining low.

Key findings

Plagiarism focus: Current AI discussions in education heavily center on detection and prevention, despite unreliable detection tools
Faculty concerns: Include data privacy, job security, and unclear usage guidelines
Leadership outlook: Program leaders show balanced optimism about AI’s potential while acknowledging risks

What’s next

Internal changes: Universities need to incentivize faculty engagement and provide AI training
External support: State policymakers could revise teaching certification standards to include AI literacy
Collaboration: Education schools should partner with AI experts and peer institutions to avoid reinventing the wheel

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

by Presidents Forum | Dec 13, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

The Big Picture

In a candid discussion about higher education’s future, Excelsior University President David Schejbal emphasizes the enduring value of college degrees while highlighting innovative approaches to accessibility and affordability.

Why it matters

As debates around educational credentials intensify, traditional degrees continue to demonstrate strong ROI through higher lifetime earnings and broader societal benefits.

By the numbers:

College graduates earn significantly more over their lifetime
Higher employment rates among degree holders
Better health outcomes and civic engagement
Generous credit transfer policies and clear learning pathways prevent wasted credits
Excelsior hasn’t raised tuition in 7 years

The bottom line

While alternative credentials gain traction, traditional degrees remain valuable investments, especially when institutions prioritize affordability and accessibility.

Western Governors University: Responsible Borrowing Initiative

by Presidents Forum | Dec 12, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Video

Western Governors University: Responsible Borrowing Initiative

The big picture

WGU’s Responsible Borrowing Initiative (RBI) has saved students hundreds of millions in unnecessary debt through a simple but revolutionary approach – informing students about their borrowing and suggesting lower amounts.

Why it matters

With student debt reaching crisis levels nationally, WGU’s program demonstrates how basic information sharing can dramatically reduce student borrowing without any regulatory changes.

The impact

The award-winning program has influenced:

Tennessee’s adoption of RBI concepts across public higher education
Department of Education’s development of an annual student loan acknowledgment system
Multiple states implementing annual student loan notices

What’s next

The College Cost Reduction Act, currently moving through Congress, could adopt similar affordability and accountability measures nationwide.

The bottom line

Simple process changes around debt awareness and responsible borrowing can have massive impacts on student financial outcomes.

Revolutionizing Higher Education Through Affordable Access

by Presidents Forum | Dec 9, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Underserved Communities, Working Learners

Revolutionizing Higher Education Through Affordable Access

Why It Matters

As higher education costs soar and student debt becomes a crisis, BYU Pathway demonstrates how technology and innovative models can dramatically reduce costs while maintaining educational quality.

The Big Picture

BYU Pathway Worldwide has revolutionized affordable higher education by offering ultra-low-cost degrees on a global scale. U.S. bachelor’s degrees are available for just $6,200, while international tuition can be as low as $300 in Africa. The online university has achieved significant reach, serving 75,000 students across 180 countries, with international students comprising 65% of the student body. Despite its cost-effective model, the institution maintains educational quality through industry-experienced instructors who focus primarily on teaching rather than research.

How They do it

No physical campus
Adjunct instructors from global markets
AI-assisted grading system
Peer mentoring
Three-year degree format
Volunteer support network