$10,000 Baccalaureate Degree

Texas Higher Education Coordinating BoardApril 27, 2011

2

The Challenge“…it’s time for a bold, Texas-style solution

to this challenge, that I’m sure the brightest minds in our universities can devise. Today, I’m challenging our institutions of higher education to develop bachelor’s degrees that cost no more than $10,000, including textbooks.”

--Rick Perry, 2011 State of the State Address

THECB 04/2011

3

Myths and InnovationsHigher education is in a similar place

as computer development was in 2005 with Negroponte’s $100 laptop

Higher cost equals higher qualityThe traditional model is the best

modelEvery student needs access to every

on-campus resource

THECB 04/2011

4

Critical Elements for SuccessRigorous academic standardsFaculty buy-in and leadershipStudent demandRecognition that this is not a “one size fits

all” degreeThese degrees will not eliminate those

already in place, they merely add one more option for students

Focused curriculum with a prescriptive core and few options for undesignated electives

Flexible fee structures

5

A Preliminary FrameworkLeverage our existing effortsTake advantage of technology Develop degree programs where students

have multiple pathways to complete a degree

Integrate the best materials from around the globe

Provide dynamic mentoring, advising, and other on-demand student support services to retain and graduate students

THECB 04/2011

6

Leveraging Our Existing Efforts Average tuition and fees at a public Texas

university in 2010:$6,483 per 30 SCH; $25,932 total for a 120-

sch degreeThe lowest tuition and fees at a public Texas

university in 2010:Texas A&M University-Texarkana = $4,538

per 30 SCH; $18,152 total for a 120-sch degree

2+2 AgreementsVirtual College of Texas

THECB 04/2011

7

Take Advantage of TechnologyEliminate duplication of online

programsTarget high-demand fields, and allow

institutions to compete for the statewide delivery rights

Innovate teaching by leveraging alternative delivery systems

THECB 04/2011

8

Develop Degree Programs with Multiple PathwaysDevelop competencies for all courses based

upon student learning outcomesAllow students to show mastery of

competencies in multiple ways (e.g., AP, CLEP, prior learning assessment)

Create different course formats to appeal to a variety of learners (e.g., full semester, 6-week accelerated courses, work-at-own-pace courses)

Allow students to enroll and begin coursework throughout the academic yearTHECB 04/2011

9

Integrate the Best MaterialsIntegrate developed and open source

course materials from top institutionsUtilize open source, Creative Commons

licensed materials such as those found in the Connexions repository at Rice University or video lectures from the Khan Academy

Develop textbooks and materials for those courses where appropriate open source materials do not currently exist

THECB 04/2011

10

Provide DynamicStudent Support ServicesClose monitoring of student progressInformed advisingTechnology enabled advisingLeverage face-to-face and online learning

resources

THECB 04/2011

11

Moving ForwardPotential models

Expanded 2+2 Agreements Community college applied baccalaureate programs Scalable online programs that achieve economies of scale

No matter the model, a $10,000 degree program must: Be highly rigorous Be targeted Be highly structured Be competency based Leverage technology Include multiple pathways to the degree Have faculty buy-in

Texas has the innovative faculty and institutions to meet this challenge; the Coordinating Board is happy to facilitate their work