The big picture:
While many universities face backlash over campus unrest and costs, Weber State University is earning national recognition for doing things differently.
The U.S. Department of Education recently named Weber State among the top 3% of innovative colleges nationwide — the only Utah school to make the list.
By the numbers:
- 130 concurrent enrollment courses offered to high school students at $5 per credit hour
- Students can earn certificates or associate’s degrees while still in high school
- 12-percentage point increase in six-year graduation rates over five years
- Biggest gains among low-income and first-generation students
How they did it:
- Eliminated application fees
- Implemented direct admission for high school seniors
- Streamlined transfer pathways from technical colleges
- Required hands-on learning through internships, clinical rotations, and research
- Partnered with business leaders to shape curriculum
The bottom line:
Weber State shows how higher education can innovate while staying focused on student success.
Read the full op-ed by President Brad Mortensen in the Salt Lake Tribune.