Earlier this week, the University of Wisconsin system joined Tennessee and Texas in guaranteeing in-state students admission to colleges in their system, by passing a bill in the state legislature. According to the Associated Press,the University of Wisconsin-Madison would be required to admit all high school students who finish in the top 5% of their class. Other campuses would be required to admit the top 10%, as described in a bill passed by the state legislature.
Texas has had a similar program in effect since 1997 and Tennessee just instituted their policy in September 2023. The goal, according to Wisconsin officials, is to encourage Wisconsin students to stay in Wisconsin after graduation. This bill is not without some questionable exchanges.
With Republican state legislators driving negotiations, the university system conceded to mandated cuts and modifications to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In return, the system will receive an estimated $800 million to compensate for staff raises and construction projects. This trade off is timely given conversations about the pending enrollment decline in higher education that is expected to peak in the next two years nationwide. In order to prevent closures or consolidation, these deals within states with declining population may become more popular.
What does this mean for students? If you are the student of state where the legislature is considering "guaranteed" admission to in-state colleges, be sure to read the fine print. Once bills are enacted, be sure to understand the parameters such as minimum GPA, class standing/rank, any restrictions on academic major or program, requirements to transfer to in-state four year programs if admission to two-year school is guaranteed and others.
On the other hand, there are some genuine benefits to this program that may be reflected in a response to guaranteed admission. Requirements for standardized test scores may become optional or no longer required at more schools. AP and dual enrollment programs may expand to include more degree or program options. Financial aid, grants and funding may change in response to enrollment trends. Declines in out of state applications may encourage more aggressive recruiting and outreach. This is something to watch for sure...in the meantime, if your state has an opportunity for FREE education, take advantage and make a plan!
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