Opinion

A&M offers affordable degree programs

John Sharp: Affordable degree available in San Antonio is cutting-edge. John Sharp: Affordable degree available in San Antonio is cutting-edge. Photo: File Photo, Associated Press Photo: File Photo, Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close A&M offers affordable degree programs 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

An investment in higher education is an investment in the economy, benefiting our students, our state and the nation. But the facts are clear. There is a higher education gap in Texas.

The unemployment rate today for adults with only a high school diploma is more than double the rate for those with a bachelor's degree or higher. Before 2018, Texas will need to fill about 4 million jobs of which more than 2 million will require post-secondary credentials. Yet only 31.4 percent of Texans age 25 and older have completed an associate's degree or higher.

We must work harder to provide affordable degree plans offering the academic preparation, and career and technology training that employers demand and that students need for economic opportunity.

There is good news for Texas. Enrollment is up at both 2- and 4-year public colleges and universities. Enrollment in Texas community colleges has increased almost 30 percent since the start of the recession in 2008.

But obstacles still exist. Young Hispanics continue to be underrepresented, economically disadvantaged high school graduates are less likely to enroll in college, and four-year college completion rates lag.

Virtually every university in Texas and across the nation is looking for ways to deliver more value, and to ensure multiple pathways to learning. There is no one-size-fits-all system of higher education, but the Texas A&M University System is leading the way with innovative, collaborative methods to control costs while improving the quality of education.

Though a unique partnership of Texas A&M University System colleges and area community colleges, three affordable degree programs will be offered beginning at $9,800. Among the first is a bachelor of applied arts and sciences in information technology, emphasizing information security, offered through Texas A&M University–San Antonio and Alamo Colleges.

“San Antonio is fast becoming the cyber-security center of the state, and there are many jobs in this area,” says Dr. Maria Ferrier, president of Texas A&M University–San Antonio, explaining the choice of an information technology degree to launch the program.

The partnership and degree are “on target” in terms of skills needed, employment opportunities and taking advantage of existing low-cost components, adds Dr. Bruce Leslie, Alamo Colleges chancellor.

Higher education must be focused on accessibility, affordability and adaptability to fill the gap. The openness to new ideas starts at the top with administrators and flows down to individual students and classrooms. At the Texas A&M University System, we are listening.



John Sharp is chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.