Texas is the current pioneer in a movement that California originally led, and then gave up - the inexpensive baccalaureate degree. See the article here at RealClearPolicy.
The other DrC and I both got low cost bachelors' degrees in CA, back in the day. That day is long gone. Now Governor Rick Perry claims Texas can deliver B.A.s and B.S.s for $10,000. Not every degree or at every campus, but at least some degrees at some state campuses and they're trying for more.
Bully for the Lone Star State! I believe this is something other states should try to do. North Dakota could afford this, so could my home state of Wyoming.
I have some suggestions for states picking up the < $10,000 challenge. Encourage students to do transferable general education work at their local community colleges. Accept more transfer students and fewer freshmen.
Offer basic courses online, such do not require classrooms. Utilize more adjunct faculty with no research and committee requirements.
Hold more degrees to a strict 120-124 semester unit limit. Enable more students to finish in four years or less via tracking and counseling.
Offer fewer "boutique" programs requiring personal relationships between students and faculty. In short, cut the frills.
