Most months
our newsletter contains a story about new research findings. See some of the recent
stories.
There are a lot of challenges that go with being poor in America. That's
true too when it comes to higher education. Lower-income students are
much less likely than higher-income students to make it to college and
graduate.
Small classes and frequent interaction with faculty contribute to
effective undergraduate education at Minnesota’s Private Colleges.
As baby boomers begin to leave Minnesota's workforce in the coming
years, we have enough college-educated workers aged 25-44 to fill their
vacancies. The concern is the
education level of the group that comes next.
Graduates of four-year colleges in Minnesota are
increasingly leaving school with loan debt. This debt is not yet
leading to higher default rates, but student borrowing merits close attention. Here's
some background on this complex issue.
Minneapolis and St. Paul can claim a high percentage of bachelor's
degree-holders and a large number of higher education institutions per
capita. That's good for Minnesota's economic health.
The pool of prospective college students is shrinking in many parts of
the country, including in Minnesota. It's also becoming more diverse.
Appropriations as a percent of our state's gross domestic product have shrunk to levels last seen in the late 1960s. This may be a troubling trend for Minnesota's economic future.
To meet
future demand for educated workers, our state must increase college
participation and completion among low-income students. As our new
Research Brief details, there are concerns that the state in not
maintaining its investment in higher education.
New data show that the actual amount paid by low-income
students is significantly lower than the average paid by students overall at
all types of institutions in Minnesota.
As Minnesota's population has become increasingly diverse, the share of
students and faculty of color at our institutions have grown too. View
the latest data about faculty of color in Minnesota and hear
perspectives from two of our institutions.
Two-thirds of students attending Minnesota
nonprofit institutions received their bachelor’s degree in four years — the
best rate in the Midwest.
Contributions to Minnesota's
colleges and universities have failed to match the levels they were at 10 years
ago and have declined noticeably since 2008. This trend matters because it
further challenges higher education institutions — public and private.
Minnesota's
higher than average share of residents with bachelor's degrees correlates with
our higher than average per capita income. Experts say that ensuring higher
education opportunities and achievement will help productivity.
Minnesota Private College Council institutions play a vital role in
educating Minnesota’s population. A third of all bachelor’s degrees in
Minnesota are granted by MPCC members; they also grant 45% of the
master’s degrees in the state.
Fall enrollment at Minnesota Private College Council member institutions
increased 1.1% over a year ago. Student populations are also becoming
more diverse.
Data show that when looking at all costs — the amount actually paid,
graduation rates and longer-term value — families can come out ahead
with private nonprofit colleges.
Minnesota college students rely increasingly on borrowing to pay for
college, but their borrowing patterns vary among different kinds of
institutions. MPCC member institutions work to minimize student debt by
providing substantial institutional grant aid.
The latest analysis shows that Minnesota Private College Council member
institutions have the highest graduation rate in Minnesota with 64% of
students graduating in four years. This continues a longstanding trend.
New data confirm the link between higher education and higher income in
Minnesota, but the income benefit varies depending on race. Three local
experts — Paul Mattessich, Carlos Mariani and Steve Hine — weigh in on
the research findings and what they mean for Minnesota.
The percent of grant aid received by students at Minnesota’s Private
Colleges increased 94% over the past eight years. Grant aid clearly
makes a difference in our institutions’ affordability.
The U.S. and Minnesota will have to stretch to meet proposed goals for
the percentage of workers who earn a college credential. While our
national standing is being surpassed by other countries, Minnesota is
well-positioned to produce more college educated workers.
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