Arkansas Education Project

Challenges in Higher Education

Higher education in Arkansas faces the following challenges: unprepared high school graduates,  insufficient student housing, concerns over political interference in academia and  cuts to higher education funding. Graduation rates have increased over the last few years, but retention is still an important issue. Many Arkansans have attended college but dropped out before acquiring a bachelor's degree. Arkansas ACCESS is intended to help students apply for college through a "simple, statewide universal college application to ease the admissions process." Gov. Sander's educational reform plan also seeks to expand scholarship opportunities and eligible admission exams for students applying to college.