Oregon leaders approved a significant change Thursday to how public universities are funded. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission voted unanimously to base 50 percent of university funding on graduation rates.
Enrollment is by far the most important factor now, accounting for 80-percent of the university funding formula.
The change will phase in over four years.
Officials say universities will have to maintain high academic standards even as funding emphasizes that students finish degrees.
University leaders say additional funding - regardless of the strategy - will be key to improving Oregon's college graduation rates.
Copyright 2015 Oregon Public Broadcasting
