In reading the higher education room, ND lawmakers boost support

More college students in the U.S. are “stopping out” and not re-enrolling, according to a new report. In North Dakota, state lawmakers hope their efforts can keep regional campuses from looking emptier. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center said the “some college, no credential” population – students who paused their academic career without earning a credential – is up 3.6% percent.

With fewer of them coming back, there’s lingering uncertainty about returning to healthier enrollment numbers, researchers said.

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, said state lawmakers were conscious of these challenges in their just-completed session.

“As surrounding states freeze their tuition rates, we knew that we had to also freeze our tuition to remain competitive,” she said.

She added the new higher education budget, which has a baseline level of nearly $800 million, also includes extra funds for scholarship and grant programs to reduce the student loan debt burden. There is also added support for behavioral health services. College enrollment issues have not been as severe in North Dakota, but the state’s most recent “stop-out” rate was in line with national numbers, the report said.

Hanson also highlighted investments in K-12 education, acknowledging that stronger support for younger students helps establish better outcomes for what ever path they choose after high school.

“We want kids to be choice ready, and so if they choose to go into higher education, if they choose to go into a two-year college – tech ed – whatever path they choose, strong investments in K through 12 will help them be more successful,” she said.

The Legislature boosted the per-pupil funding formula by 4% each year over the next biennium while expanding access to no-cost school meals. Hanson added these moves will help students stay focused in the classroom and give districts more opportunities to raise teacher salaries.