(09-29-2020 11:34 AM)Statefan Wrote:  

(09-29-2020 07:17 AM)IHAVETRIED Wrote:  

I get the commitment to the community, especially in liberal arts. That is admirable, largely essential, and to Louisville’s long-term credit.

But Louisville’s academic business model and outcomes combine a relatively low graduation rate with relatively high effective pricing (after incorporating grant aid) and high average student debt. There are a number of Cal State universities with lower graduation rates...because they have comparable community-based missions...but these schools provide more grant aid; the school is taking a great financial risk on the community and scores much higher on “value” ratings. An alternative approach is keeping average student debt down (more like the University of Houston or WSU models)...once again comparable graduation rates, but with higher value. Probably the best example of a comparable mission with different outcomes is the University of Arizona; they combine low graduation rates with high grant aid and low average student debt.

The point being that there are ways to drive significant value to students without sacrificing too much on mission. As the competition for students increases over the next several decades, there are lots of niches available. The challenge is to make gradual and consistent progress over a long horizon.

I pretty much agree. I have been speaking with the President, Engineering Dean and Business Dean about just this. There are some other options.
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I suspect the greatest hurdle will be your State legislators who will demand you remain accessible for in-State kids. You are lucky not to have one or two niche private schools that will bleed off 2-3K in state kids a year that you would like to have.
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The State legislators largely do help to channel the better students to the University of Kentucky. That's fairly typical. There's vastly more spent on facilities, and considerably more on Profs at UK. Tuition assistance is just a wee bit better at UK.

Louisville doesn't face privates like a Duke or Wake or Northwestern in our back yard. Vanderbilt is the best example and a good one. I would have attended Vanderbilt had I not been dirt-poor.

The University of Louisville draws students from 119 of the 120 Kentucky counties, and 46 of the 50 states. Also from 18 other countries.

The academics in the University's heavily STEM-related schools and programs are pretty sound. And the campus experience for the kids is very solid. The University's Kent School is highly regarded.

I spoke with the B School Dean yesterday, as well as "advancement/development" staff. One thing I got which is new is that all the University's schools are not effectively coordinating their grant/support/outreach programs. They realize this but are still having a tough time coordinating.