Improving teacher preparation: A K-20 partnership
Teacher preparation is a top issue among education leaders—not just for K-12, but for higher education as well. The issue rose to the top of several higher education issues at a recent roundtable event hosted by the Utah Business Magazine. Weber State University President Chuck Wight observed, “Right now we have 1,240 computer science majors, […]
Ty Aller appointed 2016-17 Student Regent
Governor Gary Herbert appointed Ty Aller, a PhD student at Utah State University, as the 2016-17 Student Regent. Mr. Aller is majoring in Family and Human Development and previously earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Political Science—all from USU. He will serve one year […]
Morningstar: Utah Educational Savings Plan Is One of the Best in the U.S.
The Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) is one of the nation’s premier tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans, according to a recent analysis of the nation’s 529 plans by Morningstar Inc. The investment research firm recommends Utah’s plan to families in states without income tax benefits for savers, as well as to families in states that […]
Step2theU partnership offers early college option for Utah high school students
A new partnership between the University of Utah and Alta High School is the latest option Utah students have to earn college credit from a Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institution while still in high school. Several USHE institutions have similar partnerships with area high schools to help students get going on college classes while […]
Students increasingly rely on scholarships & grants to cover the cost of college
A new study, How America Pays for College 2016, surveyed nearly 1,600 undergraduate students ages 18-24 and parents of undergraduate students ages 18-24. This survey looked at their attitudes toward college, how much they spent, and the sources they used to pay for it. 97% of American families believe college is an investment in their children’s future, and […]
New report demonstrates earning value of liberal arts degrees in today’s workforce
A new analysis by Burning Glass Technologies, a leading job market analytics firm, surveyed over 500 million job listings. The study confirms findings the firm initially published in 2013: Employers consistently value the “soft skills,” or social/interpersonal skills, that a liberal arts education provides. According to Burning Glass CEO Matthew Sigelman, “the reality is the liberal […]
FAFSA completions up in Utah, down nationwide
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education released data showing that fewer high school seniors nationwide are completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) than last year. During April 2015 to April 2016, FAFSA completion fell 3.2% nationwide. Experts suspect the decline is due to the lack of students not fixing mistakes on their application […]
Within 6 months of graduating, 82% of the bachelor’s degree Class of 2015 were employed or in grad school
The National Association of Colleges and Employers released its annual report diving into the outcomes of college students six months post-graduation. Bachelor’s degree recipients The bachelor’s degree Class of 2015 had a positive year in terms of outcomes as compared to last year’s class. The percent employed improved, a greater percentage continued their education, and starting salaries increased. […]
New report is the latest in recent attention on accrediting bodies
The U.S. Department of Education has released newly-compiled data dashboards on the performance of accrediting agencies, using measures such as graduation and student loan repayment rates at colleges the agencies oversee. The role of accrediting bodies in higher education has received renewed attention in recent years as tuition rates have increased, the proliferation of for-private providers […]
National survey finds 80% of college seniors feel prepared for the workforce
Last week, McGraw-Hill released its third-annual Workforce Readiness Survey, which includes responses from 1,360 current college students across the country (from freshmen to graduate students). These students were asked for their opinion on how they perceive college has prepared them for their future career. Career preparedness 80% of college seniors felt either somewhat or very prepared for a professional career. […]
