Ohio links college funding to graduate job placement success

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has proposed a new funding strategy for colleges and universities. He wants to allocate $100 million of the state budget based on how well graduates find jobs after leaving school. Currently, funding is determined by the number of degrees and certificates awarded. DeWine's plan, part of a larger $218 billion budget, aims to make Ohio the first state to tie a significant portion of higher education funding to graduates' employment outcomes. He presented this idea as a way to improve the future of Ohio's workforce on February 3. The budget is under review, and lawmakers are discussing potential amendments. Some experts are concerned about this approach. Piet van Lier from Policy Matters Ohio expressed worries that Ohio's funding has not kept pace with inflation, leading to underfunding of public universities. Professors are also voicing concerns. They fear that schools might prioritize majors that lead to high-paying jobs over liberal arts programs. Sara Kilpatrick, from the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors, emphasized that an overemphasis on short-term job success could be harmful. Under DeWine's proposal, Ohio universities would compete for funds based on how their graduates fare in the job market. The funding would include job placement rates, wage outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Institutions with better employment outcomes would receive more funding. Overall, the plan aims to improve the state's education system while addressing the needs of the economy. However, its success and implications are still being evaluated by state lawmakers and education officials.