February 27, 2011

Governors Face Challenges in Improving College-Completion Rates

Lack of money, turnover in ranks are obstacles for ambitious goals

Governors Face Challenges in Efforts to Improve College-Completion Rates 1

Ted S. Warren, AP Images

As chair of the National Governors Association, Washington's Christine Gregoire has sought the support of the unusually large number of new governors in a continuing campaign to help more students get through college and graduate.

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close Governors Face Challenges in Efforts to Improve College-Completion Rates 1

Ted S. Warren, AP Images

As chair of the National Governors Association, Washington's Christine Gregoire has sought the support of the unusually large number of new governors in a continuing campaign to help more students get through college and graduate.

By Jennifer Gonzalez

For the United States to have any shot at reaching ambitious college-completion goals, the bulk of the work will have to be shouldered by the states.

The nation's governors appear to be on board with that agenda, pressed by President Obama and others. Last summer the governors decided that no issue was more important than increasing the number of people with a college credential, and they have made it the focus of a yearlong campaign. As part of that effort, the National Governors