Tammy Freundlich Blefeld

This executive summary analyzes the high rewards and rising costs associated with graduate degrees, noting that increasing tuition and debt are eroding their value. It proposes a new regulatory framework centered on an "in-field earnings premium test" and a "debt-to-earnings test" to ensure a basic return on investment and greater transparency regarding program outcomes. Additionally, it offers policy recommendations for addressing data gaps and providing targeted grant aid for socially valuable but lower-paying career fields, aiming to minimize financial risks for borrowers and taxpayers.

This report updates national and state college completion rates, tracking outcomes for the fall 2017 cohort over six years and the fall 2015 cohort over eight years through June 2023. It reveals a stagnation in the national six-year completion rate since 2015, with varied progress across states and institutions. Key findings include declines in completion rates for Native American and Black students, a widening gender gap, and differing trends between traditional-aged and older students.

The event was the 2019 commencement ceremony for the American College of Education. Key segments included recognition of graduating professionals and their families, an acknowledgment and thank you to active duty service members, veterans, retired service members, and military spouses, and the presentation of the Faculty Award for Excellence to Dr. Lester Fowler. The Alumni Achievement Award for 2019 was presented to Mr. David Reichard. The commencement address focused on the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and making a difference in others' lives, drawing from personal experiences in healthcare, administration, and education. The ceremony also recognized graduates wearing cords signifying national board certification.

American College of Education focuses on delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content. The college aims to prepare graduates to serve, lead, and achieve personal and professional goals in diverse, evolving communities. A key aspect is breaking the perceived link between tuition cost and program quality, with a vision to be a significant leader in higher education and prepare students to be global leaders.