Half of the funding Ohio distributes to state universities will be tied to their success in graduating, not just attracting, students, if a plan by Gov. John Kasich and higher education officials is implemented.
It should be put in place, by state legislators, if necessary. Ohioans simply cannot afford to shovel money into ivory tower institutions that do not find ways to retain the students they attract. And Buckeye State residents cannot afford to continue making enormous tuition and fees payments without reasonable prospects they will pay off in degrees.
Kasich and university presidents unveiled the plan last week. It is part of a package to demand results from public colleges and universities. Again, the program should be put in place as soon as possible.