Boosting Private Colleges for Alabama's Future

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Corey with Birmingham News Today. Alabama ranks low in higher education outcomes compared to top states like Florida. One big reason is the weak private college sector. There, over 20% of undergrad degrees come from private schools. In Alabama, it's under 10%. Experts say boosting private colleges could help meet the state's goals for better credential rates and workforce readiness. The state's 2018-2030 strategic plan focuses mostly on public universities like Auburn and Alabama. Those schools excel at research and scale, but they aren't built for small, faith-based education that shapes character and morals. To get that, Alabama needs new private institutions, especially Christian ones. A recent opinion piece outlines five simple tweaks to the private school license law. These include more flexibility on accreditation for startups, extending licenses to five years, tiered bonds based on size, one-time fees, and allowing pre-licensed fundraising and outreach

1:05without enrolling students. These changes wouldn't cut protections for students. They just ease red tape so new colleges can form without huge upfront hurdles. It builds on K-12 reforms like the Chewz Act, ensuring education aligns from grade school through college. Some makers have the chance to make modest fixes with big potential. Alabama has the smarts and faith. Creating room for strong private colleges could lead to better families, communities, and culture down the road. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense.