Higher Education and strongEconomicstrong Development - WICHE.pdfVIP

GETTING WHAT Introduction Legislators are becoming increasingly aware of the important link YOU PAY FOR between higher education’s effectiveness and the state’s economic strength. They are concerned about mediocre student outcomes in the higher education system and worry about the lost wages and revenue of students who drop out of the system before getting a degree. As Higher state budgets tighten and less state funding is available for higher education, legislators want to ensure that funds are wisely invested and Education wisely spent. As states plan for jobs that will drive the economy in the future, they are looking to higher education to train and produce the and Economic workforce needed for these jobs. Development As a result, many states are approaching higher education policy as an investment strategy. An investment in a strong, accessible, and high- quality higher education system is an investment in the economic development of the state, with significant payoffs down the road. Indeed, a state can benefit from wise investment in its human capital. Julie Davis Bell When all citizens have the opportunity and resources to succeed in