While Idaho often ranks below average in many national education metrics, a new report puts us in the top five states in the country in one key area, and some are saying the future of education in the Gem State is looking bright.
As reported by Idaho Education News, the National Clearinghouse Research Center tracked more than 500,000 students all across the nation who received an associated degree in the 2009-2010 school year. Of the roughly 2,300 idahoans who received the degree, nearly half of them graduated with a bachelor's degree within 6 years, ranking Idaho 4th in the nation.
"This is great news for us. We are thrilled to hear that," said CWIPresident Berton Glandon.
Glandon said he believes a few different factors have contributed to Idaho making top five.
One major reason; the relationship that CWI has created with Idaho's four-year universities with things like transfer agreements.
Students in Idaho know that they can pay a lower tuition rate at CWI and their credits are guaranteed to count when they go to a school like BSU, ISU, or U of I.
"When you put those kinds of incentives in place, that does nothing but bring success to students moving on and completing," said Glandon.
Another major piece of the puzzle, the relationships colleges in Idaho have created with businesses across the state.
"If we can get these partnerships working together where student realize you come in, you develop this skill. you've got a job, you can move into a good career path, and have a good career for the rest of your life," said Glandon.
Glandon said he believes the tide is turning for education in Idaho to a point that students are starting to realize, "I can do this. There are opportunities out there for me, and there is a job at the end of the trail. Not just a job, but there is a career at the end of the trail," explained Glandon.
Berton said with the school growing as fast as it is, and more relationships developing with area businesses, he hopes Idaho can jump even higher on the list.
