MEASURING UP 2004 THE STATE REPORT CARD ON HIGHER EDUCATION IDAHO WHAT IS MEASURING UP? This state report card is derived from Measuring Up 2004, the that the state’s population has attained. For more information national report card for higher education. Its purpose is to provide about this, see page 12 of this state report card. the public and policymakers with information to assess and In four of the performance categories—preparation, participation, improve postsecondary education in each state. Measuring Up completion, and benefits—grades are calculated by comparing 2004is the third in a series of biennial report cards. each state’s current performance to that of the best-performing Measuring Up 2004evaluates states on their performance in states. This provides a basis for assessing and comparing each higher education because it is the states that are primarily respon- state’s performance in the national context and encourages each sible for educational access and quality in the United States. In this state to “measure up” to the highest performing states. report card, “higher education” refers to all education and training In the affordability category, however, the nation as a whole is beyond high school, including all public and private, two- and “measuring down.” That is, even in the best-performing states, four-year, for-profit and nonprofit institutions. higher education has become lessrather than moreaffordable The report card grades states in six overall performance categories: when the costs of attending college are considered in relation to family income. As a result, grades in the affordability category (cid:2)Preparation:How adequately are students in each state are calculated by comparing each state’s current results to the being prepared for education and training beyond high school? performance of the top states a decade ago. This enables policy- (cid:2) Participation:Do state residents have sufficient opportu- makers to examine their state’s results in relation to other states, nities to enroll in education and training beyond high school? while also encouraging improved performance over time. A glance at the table of state grades on page 15 reveals that the affordability (cid:2)Affordability:How affordable is higher education for category is the only one in which no state receives an A. students and their families? Measuring Up 2004also compares each state’s current results with (cid:2)Completion:Do students make progress toward and its own performance a decade ago. Although this historical infor- complete their certificates and degrees in a timely manner? mation is not graded, it is offered to allow states to examine their (cid:2) Benefits:What benefits does the state receive as a result improvements and declines in performance. In gathering informa- of having a highly educated population? tion for this period, information from 1992—or the closest year available—is compared with the most recently available data. All (cid:2) Learning:What is known about student learning as a information was collected from national, reliable sources, including result of education and training beyond high school? the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Education. Each state receives a grade in each performance category, and the (For more information about grading, data collection, and sources, grades are based on the state’s performance on several indicators, please see the technical report at www.highereducation.org.) or quantitative measures, in each category. Most states receive an This state report card begins by summarizing the state’s perform- “Incomplete” in learning because there are no common bench- ance today compared with ten years ago, and by presenting key marks that allow for state-by-state comparisons in learning. Five policy questions that these results suggest for the state. Next, the states, however, receive a “Plus” in learning to highlight their state’s performance in each category is described in greater detail, work in developing measures to evaluate the state’s educational followed by additional contextual information. capital—that is, the reservoir of high-level knowledge and skills A Snapshot of Improvement Over the Past Decade High school graduates are, in general, better prepared for college Completion:37 states improved on more than half of the today than their peers were a decade ago. However, most states, indicators; 9 improved on some of the indicators; 4 declined and the nation as a whole, have made little progress in translating on every indicator. these gains into improvements at the college level. Benefits:41 states improved on more than half of the indicators; Preparation:44 states improved on more than half of the 8 improved on some of the indicators; 1 declined on every indicator. indicators; 6 improved on some of the indicators. Learning:45 states receive an “Incomplete”; 5 states (Illinois, Participation:8 states improved on more than half of the Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, and South Carolina) receive a indicators; 23 improved on some of the indicators; 19 declined “Plus.” on every indicator. For more information about improvement, please see Measuring Affordability:2 states improved on more than half of the Up 2004: The National Report Card on Higher Educationat indicators; 31 improved on some of the indicators; 17 declined www.highereducation.org. on every indicator. 2 Measuring Up 2004 IDAHO A Decade Ago and Today The growth of Idaho’s high school population creates a serious Participation need for the state to continue to improve the preparation of (cid:2)Over the past decade, the likelihood of 9th graders enrolling in students for college and to provide ample college spaces and classes college within four years has dropped more than the nationwide for these incoming students. The high cost of attending public decline on this measure. The state’s decrease is due to a decline in four-year colleges for low- and middle-income students represents the percentage of students graduating from high school, and a an additional challenge in maintaining college opportunities. drop in the percentage of graduates going on to college. Strengths (cid:2)A small percentage of working-age adults participate in college- level education or training. In addition, this percentage has slipped Preparation over the decade, reflecting the national decline on this measure. (cid:2)Compared with other states, a fairly high percentage of Idaho’s 8th graders take algebra, and this percentage has nearly doubled Affordability over the past decade. (cid:2)Net college costs for low- and middle-income students to attend (cid:2)About two-thirds of high school students are taught by qualified public four-year colleges and universities represent about a third of their annual income. (Net college costs equal tuition, room, and teachers. Over the past decade, the state’s substantial improvement board minus financial aid.) on this measure has surpassed the nationwide increase. Completion (cid:2)A fairly large proportion of freshmen at four-year colleges and universities return for their sophomore year. Over the past decade, Idaho has had one of the steepest increases in the nation on this measure. Weaknesses Preparation C (cid:2)Very low proportions of 11th and 12th graders take and score well on Advanced Placement exams. – C (cid:2)A very small percentage of high school students enroll in – D upper-level science. Over the past decade, this percentage has declined substantially—in contrast to a nationwide increase + C on this measure. C I Improvement ? Over Past Decade Preparation Participation Affordability Completion Benefits Learning 3 Measuring Up 2004 IDAHO A Decade Ago and Today Completion Policy Questions (cid:2)A small proportion of first-year, full-time students complete a (cid:2)Can higher education build upon partnerships with K–12 bachelor’s degree within six years of enrolling in college. schools to improve student achievement and preparation for college? (cid:2)The gap has widened between whites and Hispanics in the proportion of students completing certificates and degrees relative (cid:2)Considering Idaho’s improving performance in preparing to the number enrolled. students for higher education, can the state encourage more high school students to enroll in higher education? Benefits (cid:2)Compared with other states, a small proportion of Idaho (cid:2)At the same time, can Idaho provide college opportunities for the residents have a bachelor’s degree. increasing numbers of high school students expected to graduate and enroll in college? (cid:2)Can Idaho provide more opportunities for working-age adults to enroll in higher education? (cid:2)Can the state use financial aid programs more effectively to meet the needs of students from low-income families? (cid:2)Can Idaho create a low-priced option to ensure that higher education is accessible and affordable to its residents? Measuring Up 2004 4 PREPARATION 2004 Idaho 2004 Improvement Grade Over Decade Over the past decade, Idaho has shown notable improvement in preparing C students to succeed in college. However, Idaho receives a C in preparation this year because other states performed better. Graded Information IDAHO Top (cid:2)A fairly small percentage (40%) of PREPARATION States high school students in Idaho are A Decade 2004 2004 enrolled in upper-level math, and a very Ago small percentage (18%) are enrolled in High School Completion (20%) upper-level science. 18- to 24-year-olds with a high school credential 85% 89%* 94% (cid:2)Compared with the best-performing K–12 Course Taking (35%) states, a fairly large proportion (27%) of 9th to 12th graders taking at least one upper-level 8th graders take algebra. 40% 40% 59% math course 9th to 12th graders taking at least one upper-level (cid:2)Eighth graders perform quite well on 20% 18% 41% science course national assessments in science and 8th grade students taking algebra 14% 27% 35% reading, and fairly well in math. 12th graders taking at least one upper-level n/a 25% 66% math course (cid:2)Compared with their peers in other states, low-income 8th graders earn K–12 Student Achievement (35%) average scores on national assessments 8th graders scoring at or above “proficient” on in math. the national assessment exam: in math 22% 28% 36% (cid:2)Extremely small proportions of 11th in reading n/a 32% 39% and 12th graders score well on Advanced in science n/a 38% 42% Placement tests, and fairly small propor- in writing n/a 29% 41% tions score well on college entrance Low-income 8th graders scoring at or above exams. “proficient” on the national assessment exam n/a 17% 23% in math (cid:2)Two-thirds of secondary school Number of scores in the top 20% nationally on students are taught by qualified teachers, SAT/ACT college entrance exam per 1,000 high 147 157 227 which compares well with top-perform- school graduates ing states. Number of scores that are 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement subject test per 1,000 high 35 74 219 Change in Graded Measures school juniors and seniors (cid:2)The proportion of high school students Teacher Quality (10%) enrolled in upper-level science has 7th to 12th graders taught by teachers with decreased substantially over the past a major in their subject 50% 66% 81% decade. *Eighty percent of 18- to 24-year-olds have a regular high school diploma; 9% have a GED. (cid:2)In the same period, the proportion of Note: Indicators in italics are new for 2004. 8th graders taking algebra has almost doubled. 5 Measuring Up 2004 PREPARATION 2004 Idaho (cid:2)Over the past decade, the percentage of Other Key Facts 8th graders performing well on national (cid:2)Hispanics in the 9th to 12th grades are assessments in math has increased. less than half as likely as whites to enroll in upper-level science and math. (cid:2)The proportions of 11th and 12th graders taking and scoring well on (cid:2)Among young adults, 9% receive a Advanced Placement exams have more General Education Development (GED) than doubled over the past decade, diploma rather than a high school although the state’s current performance diploma, one of the highest percentages on this measure is very low compared in the nation. with other states. (cid:2)About 17% of children under age 18 (cid:2)During the past decade, the percentage live in poverty, which matches the of secondary school students taught national rate. by qualified teachers has increased substantially. The preparation category measures how well a state’s K–12 schools prepare students for education and training beyond high school. The opportunities that residents have to enroll in and benefit from higher education depend heavily on the performance of their state’s K–12 educational system. Measuring Up 2004 6 PARTICIPATION 2004 Idaho 2004 Improvement Grade Over Decade Idaho has made no notable progress in enrolling students in higher C– education over the past decade. This year Idaho receives a C– in participation. Graded Information IDAHO Top (cid:2)Compared with other states, the PARTICIPATION States chance of Idaho high school students A Decade 2004 2004 enrolling in college by age 19 is low, Ago because few students graduate from high Young Adults (60%) school and enroll in college. Chance for college by age 19 40% 34% 52% (cid:2)A very low percentage of working-age 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college 22% 29% 40% adults (ages 25 to 49) are enrolled Working-Age Adults (40%) part-time in college-level education 25- to 49-year-olds enrolled part-time in any type or training. of postsecondary education 3.4% 3.0% 5.4% Change in Graded Measures (cid:2)Over the past decade, the chance Other Key Facts (cid:2)In Idaho, 91 more students are leaving of enrolling in college by age 19 has the state than are entering to attend college. (cid:2)The state’s population is projected to declined by 13%, compared with a About 24% of Idaho high school graduates grow by 20% from 2000 to 2015, faster national decline of 3%. The state’s who go to college attend college out of state. than the national rate of 13%. During decrease is due to a decline in the approximately the same period, the number percentage of students graduating from of high school graduates is projected to high school, and a drop in the percentage increase by 17%. of graduates going on to college. (cid:2)About 12% of the adult population has (cid:2)Over the past decade, the percentage less than a high school diploma or its of working-age adults who are enrolled equivalent, compared with 14% of adults part-time in college-level education or nationwide. training has declined by 13%, compared with a nationwide decline of 11%. The participation category addresses the opportunities for state residents to enroll in higher education. A strong grade in participation generally indicates that state residents have high individual expectations for education and that the state provides enough spaces and types of educational programs for its residents. 7 Measuring Up 2004 AFFORDABILITY 2004 Idaho 2004 Improvement Grade Over Decade Idaho, over the past decade, has made no notable progress in providing D– affordable higher education opportunities. This year Idaho receives a D– in affordability. Graded Information IDAHO Top States (cid:2)Compared with best-performing states, AFFORDABILITY A Decade families in Idaho devote a fairly large A Decade 2004 Ago share of family income, even after Ago financial aid, to attend public four-year Family Ability to Pay (50%) colleges and universities, which enroll over 60% of college students in the state. Percent of income (average of all income groups) needed to pay for college expenses minus However, Idaho is a top-performing state financial aid: on the same measure for private four- at community colleges 18% 18% 15% year colleges and universities. at public 4-year colleges/universities 18% 22% 16% (cid:2)Idaho’s investment in need-based at private 4-year colleges/universities 34% 29% 32% financial aid is very low when compared Strategies for Affordability (40%) with top-performing states, and the State investment in need-based financial aid as state does not offer low-priced college 2% 3% 89% compared to the federal investment opportunities. At lowest-priced colleges, the share of income 10% 14% 7% that the poorest families need to pay for tuition (cid:2)Undergraduate students borrowed on average $3,044 in 2003. Reliance on Loans (10%) Average loan amount that undergraduate students Other Key Facts borrow each year $2,918 $3,044 $2,619 (cid:2)In Idaho, 62% of students are enrolled Note: In the affordability category, the lower the figures the better the performance for all indicators except for in public four-year colleges and “State investment in need-based financial aid.” universities. The affordability category measures whether students and families can afford to pay for higher education, given income levels, financial aid, and the types of colleges and universities in the state. Measuring Up 2004 8 AFFORDABILITY 2004 Idaho Community Public 4-year Private 4-year colleges colleges/universities colleges/universities A CLOSER LOOK AT Average Percent Percent Percent family of income of income of income FAMILY ABILITY TO PAY Net Net Net income needed to needed to needed to college college college pay net pay net pay net cost* cost* cost* college college college cost cost cost Income groups used to calculate 2004 family ability to pay 20% of the population with the lowest income $12,264 $4,974 41% $5,688 46% $7,766 63% 20% of the population with lower-middle income $26,431 $5,618 21% $6,438 24% $8,564 32% 20% of the population with middle income $42,576 $6,008 14% $7,216 17% $9,434 22% 20% of the population with upper-middle income $61,395 $6,122 10% $7,528 12% $9,756 16% 20% of the population with the highest income $99,268 $6,128 6% $7,565 8% $10,044 10% 40% of the population with the lowest income $19,348 $5,296 27% $6,063 31% $8,165 42% *Net college cost equals tuition, room, and board, minus financial aid. Those who are striving to reach or stay in the middle class—the 40% of the population with the lowest incomes— earn on average $19,348 each year. (cid:2)If a student from such a family were to attend a public four-year college in the state, their net cost to attend college would represent about 31% of their income annually: Tuition, room, and board: $7,841 Financial aid received: –$1,777 Net college cost: $6,063 Percent of income: 31% Note The numbers shown for tuition, room, and board minus financial aid may not exactly equal net college cost due to rounding. 9 Measuring Up 2004 COMPLETION 2004 Idaho 2004 Improvement Grade Over Decade Over the past decade, Idaho has improved substantially in the proportion C+ of students earning a certificate or degree in a timely manner. This year Idaho receives a C+ in completion. Graded Information IDAHO Top (cid:2)Compared with other states, a fairly COMPLETION large percentage (65%) of freshmen at A Decade States four-year colleges and universities return Ago 2004 2004 for their sophomore year. Persistence (20%) (cid:2)However, a small percentage of first- 1st year community college students returning n/a n/a 63% time, full-time college students complete their second year a bachelor’s degree within six years of Freshmen at 4-year colleges/universities 56% 65% 84% entering college. returning their sophomore year Completion (80%) (cid:2)A large proportion of students com- First-time, full-time students completing a plete certificates and degrees relative to bachelor’s degree within 6 years of college 33% 43% 64% the number enrolled. entrance Certificates, degrees, and diplomas awarded Change in Graded Measures at all colleges and universities per 100 16 17 21 (cid:2)Over the past decade, the percentage of undergraduate students freshmen at four-year colleges and uni- versities returning for their sophomore year has increased substantially, making Other Key Facts Idaho one of the fastest improving states (cid:2)During the past decade, the gap has on this measure. widened between whites and Hispanics in the proportion of students completing (cid:2)Over the past few years, Idaho has certificates and degrees relative to the been among the fastest improving states number enrolled. Hispanic students are in the percentage of first-time, full-time only three-quarters as likely as whites to college students earning their bachelor’s complete certificates and degrees. degree within six years of enrolling in college. However, the state’s current performance on this measure remains low relative to other states. The completion category addresses whether students continue through their educational programs and earn certificates or degrees in a timely manner. Certificates and degrees from one- and two-year programs as well as the bachelor's degree are included. Measuring Up 2004 10