ERIC ED503601: Measuring Up 2008: The State Report Card on Higher Education. New Mexico

2008·1.1 MB·English

by  ERIC

MEASURING UP
2008
THE STATE REPORT CARD
ON HIGHER EDUCATION
New Mexico
What Is Measuring Up? A Snapshot of
Grades and
M Change Over Time
easuring Up is a series of biennial report cards that provide the general public
Preparation:
and policymakers with information to assess and improve higher education in Grades: 6 states received an A,
18 states received a B, 21 states
each state. The report cards evaluate states because they are primarily responsible
received a C, 5 states received a
for educational access and quality in the United States. This year’s edition, Measuring
D, and no state received an F.
Up 2008, is the fifth in the series, which began in 2000. In Measuring Up, “higher
Change Over Time:* 34 states
education” refers to all education and training beyond high school, including public have improved or remained
stable on the key indicator
and private, two- and four-year, and for-profit and nonprofit institutions.
and 16 states have declined on
the key indicator.
The report card grades states in six overall all portion of income that most families must de-
Participation:
performance categories: vote for higher education continues to escalate.
Grades: 2 states received an A,
Preparation: How adequately does the state In Measuring Up 2008, state performance in 8 states received a B, 22 states
prepare students for education and training higher education is assessed in three ways: received a C, 15 states received
beyond high school? a D, and 3 states received an F.
Graded Information: Each state’s current
Participation: Do state residents have sufficient performance is compared with that of the best- Change Over Time:* 43 states
opportunities to enroll in education and training performing states, and the results are indicated have improved or remained
beyond high school? by letter grades. stable on the key indicator
and 7 states have declined on
Affordability: How affordable is higher educa- Change Over Time: Change Over Time indicators
the key indicator.
tion for students and their families? compare each state’s current performance with its
Affordability:
own previous performance in the 1990s. For each
Completion: Do students make progress toward
category, the state’s change is determined by its Grades: 1 state received a C
and complete their certificates or degrees in a
improvement or decline in performance on a key and 49 states received an F.
timely manner?
indicator in that category. This information is Change Over Time:* 2 states
Benefits: What benefits does the state receive displayed in two ways. First, states receive either an have improved or remained
from having a highly educated population? “up” or a “down” arrow in each performance area stable on the key indicator
(see page 3). An “up” arrow indicates that the state and 48 states have declined
Learning: What is known about student learning
has increased or remained stable on the key indica- on the key indicator.
as a result of education and training beyond high
tor in the category, a “down” arrow indicates that
school? Completion:
the state has declined on the key indicator in the
Grades: 11 states received
Each state receives a letter grade in each per- category. Secondly, information about Change
an A, 20 states received a B,
formance category. Each grade is based on the Over Time is presented graphically in greater detail
16 states received a C, 1 state
state’s performance on several indicators, or on the fourth page of this report card.
received a D, and 2 states
quantitative measures, in that category.
International Comparisons: As in 2006, this year’s received an F.
In four of the performance categories — Prepara- edition of Measuring Up offers international
Change Over Time:* 48 states
tion, Participation, Completion, and Benefits — comparisons that reveal how well the United States
have improved or remained
grades are calculated by comparing each state’s and each of the 50 states are preparing residents
stable on the key indicator
current performance with that of the best-per- with the knowledge and skills necessary to
and 2 states have declined on
forming states. This comparison provides a bench- compete in a global economy. State performance
the key indicator.
mark for evaluating each state’s performance is compared with the performance of nations that
Benefits:
within a national context and encourages each are associated with the Organisation for Economic
state to “measure up” to the highest-performing Co-operation and Development (OECD). Grades: 5 states received an A,
states. The Affordability category is the exception. 15 states received a B, 19 states
In Measuring Up 2008, all states receive an
In this category, the state’s current performance is received a C, 10 states received
“Incomplete” in Learning because there are not
compared with the performance of the best states a D, and 1 state received an F.
sufficient data to allow meaningful state-by-state
in the late 1990s, since current performance re- Change Over Time:* 50 states
comparisons. Measuring Up 2006 provided state-
flects a trend to “measure down” rather than have improved or remained
specific information on Learning for nine states,
“measure up.” All but one state receive an “F” in stable on the key indicator.
but in 2008 no state collects and provides the
Affordability. The failing grades in this category
information necessary to determine the state’s * For the key indicators for Change
confirm the fast decline in affordable higher edu-
“educational capital” — or the level of knowledge Over Time, please see the five in-
cation for American families. Despite state and
and skills possessed by its residents. dicators with asterisks on page 4.
federal increases in student financial aid, the over-
MEASURING UP 2008 2 www.highereducation.org
New Mexico
PREPARATION
New Mexico’s underperformance in educat- REPORT CARD
D-
ing its young population could limit the
state’s access to a competitive workforce
2008 Grade and weaken the state’s economy.
Preparation D-
nEighth graders perform very poorly in math, sci-
ence, reading, and writing.
nNew Mexico is among the poorest-performing Participation B-
Change Over Time
states in high school completion. Eighty percent of
Hispanics have a high school credential, compared
Affordability F
with 92% of whites.
Completion D+
PARTICIPATION
New Mexico does fairly well in providing col-
B- Benefits C+
lege opportunities for its residents.
nThe likelihood of enrolling in college by age 19 is
2008 Grade
only fair, but a very high percentage of working- Learning I
age adults are enrolled in higher education.
nTwenty-nine percent of Hispanic young adults are
enrolled in college, compared with 40% of whites.
Change Over Time
AFFORDABILITY BENEFITS
Higher education has become less affordable A fairly small proportion of residents have a
F C+
for students and their families. bachelor’s degree, and the economic
nPoor and working-class families must devote 28% benefits to the state as a result are only fair.
2008 Grade 2008 Grade
of their income, even after aid, to pay for costs at nThirteen percent of Hispanics have a bachelor’s
two-year colleges. degree, compared with 40% of whites—one of the
nFinancial aid to low-income students is low. For largest gaps in the nation.
every dollar in Pell Grant aid to students, the state nIf all racial/ethnic groups had the same educa-
Change Over Time Change Over Time
spends only 20 cents. tional attainment and earnings as whites, total an-
nual personal income in the state would be about
$7 billion higher.
COMPLETION LEARNING
New Mexico performs poorly in awarding Like all states, New Mexico receives an “In-
D+ I
certificates and degrees, but the state has complete” in Learning because there is not
improved over the decade. sufficient data to allow meaningful state-by-
2008 Grade nOnly 42% of college students complete a bache- 2008 Grade state comparisons.
lor’s degree within six years.
nThirty-eight percent of Hispanics graduate within
six years, compared with 47% of whites.
Change Over Time
WHAT DO THE ARROWS MEAN?
State has increased or remained stable on the key indicator
State has declined on the key indicator in the category.
in the category.
MEASURING UP 2008 3 www.highereducation.org
CHANGE OVER TIME: KEY INDICATORS New Mexico 2008
This page reflects New Mexico’s performance and progress since the early 1990s on several key
indicators.
PREPARATION PARTICIPATION
The percentage of young adults in New Mexico College enrollment of young adults in New Mexico The enrollment of working-age adults, relative to
who earn a high school diploma has remained has improved slightly since the early 1990s. the number of residents without a bachelor’s
stable since the early 1990s. High school Compared with the national average and the top degree, has declined in New Mexico—as it has
completion is well below the U.S. average and states, however, considerably fewer young adults nationally and in the best-performing states. The
the top-performing states. are enrolled in New Mexico (in percentages). percentage attending college in New Mexico is
higher than the U.S. average but slightly below
the top states.
Percentage of 18–24 Year-Olds with Percentage of 18–24 Year-Olds Percentage of 25–49 Year-Olds Without a
a High School Credential* Enrolled in College* Bachelor’s Degree Enrolled in College
100 60 12
10.6
94 94 95
95
50 10 10.5 9.3
43 44 8.9
90 88 39 9.3
86 86 40 8 7.2 8.6
85 33 34 6.9
84 84 29 5.7
83 30 6
80 30 30
28
75 20 4
1990-92 1998-2000 2006 1991 2001 2007 1991 2001 2007
AFFORDABILITY COMPLETION BENEFITS
The share of family income, even after financial The number of undergraduate credentials and The percentage of residents who have a bache-
aid, needed to pay for college has risen degrees awarded in New Mexico, relative to the lor’s degree has increased in New Mexico, but is
substantially. To attend public two- and four-year number of students enrolled, has increased below the U.S. average and well below the top
colleges in New Mexico, students and families since the early 1990s. However, New Mexico is states.
pay less than the U.S. average but more than considerably below the U.S. average and the top
those in the best-performing states. states on this measure.
Percentage of Income Needed to Pay for All Degree Completions Percentage of 25–64 Year-Olds with
Public Two- and Four-Year Colleges per 100 Students* a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher*
40 Public Two-Year Public Four-Year* 30 40 37
35
35 25
30 28 20 21 21 29 29
20 30
25 24 16 18 27
20 19 19 19 20 21 15 14 23 26
15 15 13 10 10 15 10 11 13 14 20 22 25
10
5
5
0 0 10
1999-2000 2007-2008 1999-2000 2007-2008 1992 2000 2007 1990 2000 2006
*Key indicator for the category.
LEGEND:
& = New Mexico & = United States & = Median of Top Five States
MEASURING UP 2008 4 www.highereducation.org
PREPARATION New Mexico 2008
New Mexico’s underperformance in educating its young population
D-
could limit the state’s access to a competitive workforce and
2008 Grade Change Over Time weaken the state’s economy.
Graded Information
PREPARATION New Mexico Top
Compared with other states: States
Early 1990s* 2008
nEighty-four percent of young
High School Completion (25%)
adults in New Mexico earn a
high school diploma or General 18- to 24-year-olds with a high school credential 84% 84% 95%
Education Development (GED) K-12 Course Taking (30%)
diploma by age 24, placing New
9th to 12th graders taking at least one upper-level math course 33% 37% 64%
Mexico among the poorest-
9th to 12th graders taking at least one upper-level science course 18% 22% 46%
performing states on this
measure. 8th grade students taking algebra n/a 29% 47%
nVery small proportions of high K-12 Student Achievement (35%)
school students in New Mexico 8th graders scoring at or above “proficient” on the national
11% 17% 41%
are enrolled in upper-level math assessment exam in math
(37%) and upper-level science 8th graders scoring at or above “proficient” on the national
24% 17% 39%
(22%), placing New Mexico assessment exam in reading
among the lowest-performing 8th graders scoring at or above “proficient” on the national
19% 18% 41%
states on both measures. assessment exam in science
nA small proportion (29%) of 8th 8th graders scoring at or above “proficient” on the national 18% 17% 46%
assessment exam in writing
graders take algebra.
Low-income 8th graders scoring at or above “proficient” on
nEighth graders perform very the national assessment exam in math 7% 9% 24%
poorly on national assessments in
Number of scores in the top 20% nationally on SAT/ACT
math, science, reading, and 122 156 265
college entrance exam per 1,000 high school graduates
writing, indicating that they are
Number of scores that are 3 or higher on an Advanced
not well prepared to succeed in 44 91 237
Placement subject test per 1,000 high school juniors and seniors
challenging high school courses.
Teacher Quality (10%)
New Mexico is among the lowest-
performing states on all four 7th to 12th graders taught by teachers with a major in their subject n/a 58% 83%
measures.
*The indicators report data beginning in the early 1990s or the closest year for which reliable data are available.
nLow-income 8th graders perform See theTechnical Guide for Measuring Up 2008.
very poorly on national
assessments in math, placing
New Mexico among the lowest- Performance Gaps nDuring the same period, New Mexico is one of only
performing states on this nThere is a 12% gap between whites and all minorities two states to decline in the percentage of 8th graders
measure. in the percentage of 18- to 24-year-olds with a high performing well on national assessments in writing.
nVery small proportions of 11th school credential. Among the same population, 80%
of Hispanics and 78% of Native Americans, the Other Key Facts
and 12th graders score well on
Advanced Placement tests and largest minority populations in New Mexico, have a nAmong working-age adults (ages 25 to 49) without a
high school credential, compared with 92% of whites.
college entrance exams. high school diploma, only nine out of 1,000 earned a
GED.
nFifty-eight percent of secondary
Change in Graded Measures
school students are taught by nAbout 25% of children under age 18 live in poverty,
qualified teachers, which nThe percentage of 8th graders performing well on compared with a national rate of 18%.
compares fairly poorly with top- national assessments in reading has decreased
performing states. substantially over the past decade, showing one of the
steepest declines in the nation on this measure.
The preparation category measures how well a state’s K-12 schools prepare students for education and training beyond high school. The opportunities that
residents have to enroll in and benefit from higher education depend heavily on the performance of their state’s K-12 educational system.
MEASURING UP 2008 5 www.highereducation.org
PARTICIPATION New Mexico 2008
B- New Mexico does fairly well in providing college opportunities for
its residents.
2008 Grade Change Over Time
Graded Information
New Mexico
PARTICIPATION Top
Compared with other states: States
Early 1990s* 2008
nThe chance of New Mexico high
Young Adults (67%)
school students enrolling in
college by age 19 is only fair, Chance for college by age 19 34% 44% 57%
primarily because the proportion 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college 28% 30% 44%
of students who graduate from
Working-Age Adults (33%)
high school within four years is
25- to 49-year-olds enrolled in any type of postsecondary
small. The proportion of 10.5% 8.6% 8.9%
education with no bachelor’s degree or higher
students graduating from high
school within four years is one of *The indicators report data beginning in the early 1990s or the closest year for which reliable data are available.
the smallest in the country. See theTechnical Guide for Measuring Up 2008.
nHowever, a very high percentage
of working-age adults (ages 25 to
Change in Graded Measures Other Key Facts
49) are enrolled in college-level
education or training. nSince the early 1990s, the chance of enrolling in nNew Mexico’s population is projected to grow by 11%
college by age 19 has increased by 28%, compared from 2005 to 2025, below the national increase of
with a nationwide increase of 8%. Although a smaller 18%. During approximately the same period, the
Performance Gaps
percentage of students graduate from high school in number of high school graduates is projected to
nThere is a 10% gap between whites four years, more of those who graduate enroll in increase by 5%.
and all minorities in the percent- college.
nAbout 19% of the adult population has less than a
age of 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled
high school diploma or its equivalent, compared with
in college. The gap between whites
16% nationwide.
and Native Americans is 13%, and
the gap between whites and His- nIn New Mexico, 1,177 more students are leaving the
panics is 11%. state than entering to attend college. About 22% of
New Mexico high school graduates who go to college
attend college out of state.
The participation category addresses the opportunities for state residents to enroll in higher education. A strong grade in participation generally indicates that state
residents have high individual expectations for education and that the state provides enough spaces and types of educational programs for its residents.
MEASURING UP 2008 6 www.highereducation.org
AFFORDABILITY New Mexico 2008
F Higher education has become less affordable for students and
their families.
2008 Grade Change Over Time
Graded Information
New Mexico Top States
nCompared with best-performing AFFORDABILITY Previous Current in Previous
states, families in New Mexico Years* Year Years
devote a large share of family
Family Ability to Pay (50%) 2000 2008
income, even after financial aid,
Percent of income (average of all income groups) needed to
to attend public two-year
pay for college expenses minus financial aid:
colleges, and they devote a very
large share of family income to at community colleges 15% 19% 13%
attend public four-year colleges at public 4-year colleges/universities 10% 21% 10%
and universities in the state.
at private 4-year colleges/universities 84% 110% 30%
These two sectors enroll 93% of
Strategies for Affordability (40%) 1993 2008
college students in New Mexico.
State investment in need-based financial aid as compared to
nThe state’s investment in need- the federal investment 16% 20% 89%
based financial aid is very low
At lowest-priced colleges, the share of income that the
when compared with top- poorest families need to pay for tuition 10% 14% 7%
performing states, and New
Reliance on Loans (10%) 1995 2008
Mexico does not offer low-priced
college opportunities. Average loan amount that undergraduate students borrow each year $2,595 $5,201 $2,619
nUndergraduate students borrowed *See theTechnical Guide for Measuring Up 2008.
on average $5,201 in 2007, one of Note: In the affordability category, the lower the figures, the better the performance for all indicators except for “State
the highest averages in the nation. investment in need-based financial aid.”
Change in Graded
Measures
nSince the late 1990s, the share of
family income, even after financial
aid, needed to pay for college
expenses at public four-year
institutions has increased from
10% to 21%.
Other Key Facts
nIn New Mexico, 56% of students
are enrolled in community
colleges and 37% in public four-
year colleges and universities.
The affordability category measures whether students and families can afford to pay for higher education, given income levels, financial aid, and the types of colleges
and universities in the state.
MEASURING UP 2008 7 www.highereducation.org
AFFORDABILITY New Mexico 2008
Financial Burden to Pay for College Varies Widely by Family Income
Those who are striving to reach or stay in the middle class — the 40% of the nIf the same student were to attend a public four-year college in the state,
population with the lowest incomes — earn on average $15,186. their net cost to attend college would represent about 30% of their
nIf a student from such a family were to attend a community college in the income annually.
state, their net cost to attend college would represent about 28% of their Tuition, room, and board: $10,677
income annually.
Financial aid received: -$6,151
Tuition, room, and board: $7,858
Net college cost: $4,525
Financial aid received: -$3,587
Percent of income: 30%
Net college cost: $4,270
Note: The numbers shown for tuition, room, and board, minus financial aid
Percent of income: 28% may not exactly equal net college cost due to rounding.
Community Public 4-Year Private Non-Profit 4-Year
A CLOSER LOOK Colleges colleges/universities colleges/universities
Median Percent Percent Percent
AT FAMILY
Family Net of income Net of income Net of income
Income college needed to college needed to college needed to
ABILITY TO PAY
cost* pay net cost* pay net cost* pay net
college college college
cost cost cost
Income groups used to calculate 2008 family
ability to pay
20% of the population with the lowest income $9,257 $2,948 32 $2,860 31 $27,159 293
20% of the population with lower-middle income $22,639 $5,868 26 $6,026 27 $26,014 115
20% of the population with middle income $38,235 $7,099 19 $8,612 23 $26,304 69
20% of the population with upper-middle income $59,969 $7,464 12 $8,902 15 $26,729 45
20% of the population with the highest income $106,858 $7,599 7 $9,261 9 $28,335 27
40% of the population with the lowest income $15,186 $4,270 28 $4,525 30 $26,616 175
*Net college cost equals tuition, room, and board, minus financial aid.
MEASURING UP 2008 8 www.highereducation.org
COMPLETION New Mexico 2008
D+ New Mexico performs poorly in awarding certificates and degrees,
but the state has improved over the decade.
2008 Grade Change Over Time
Graded Information
New Mexico
COMPLETION Top
Compared with other states:
States
Early 1990s* 2008
nOnly a fair percentage (50%) of
first-year students in community Persistence (20%)**
colleges return for their second 1st year community college students returning their second year 64% 50% 66%
year.
Freshmen at 4-year colleges/universities returning their
n/a 69% 82%
nAt four-year colleges and sophomore year
universities, a high percentage Completion (80%)
(69%) of freshmen return for First-time, full-time students completing a bachelor’s degree
35% 42% 65%
their sophomore year. within 6 years of college entrance
nHowever, New Mexico is among Certificates, degrees, diplomas at all colleges & universities
11 14 21
per 100 undergraduate students
the lowest-performing states in
the percentage (42%) of first- Certificates, degrees, diplomas at all colleges & universities
19 25 44
time, full-time college students per 1,000 adults with no college degree
who complete a bachelor’s *The indicators report data beginning in the early 1990s or the closest year for which reliable data are available.
degree within six years of
**2008 data may not be comparable with data from previous years. See theTechnical Guide for Measuring Up 2008.
entering college.
nIn addition, a small proportion of
Performance Gaps Change in Graded Measures
students complete certificates and
degrees relative to the number nThere is a 9% gap between whites and other nOver the past decade the percentage of first-time,
enrolled, placing New Mexico racial/ethnic groups in college graduation rates at full-time college students earning a bachelor’s degree
among the lowest-performing four-year institutions. Thirty-eight percent of within six years of enrolling in college has increased
states on this measure. Hispanics and 25% of Native Americans graduate by 21%. Nonetheless, New Mexico’s current
nTwenty-five postsecondary from a four-year institution within six years, performance on this measure remains low when
compared with 47% of whites. compared with other states.
certificates and degrees were
awarded for every 1,000 people in nAmong white students, 15 degrees are awarded for nSince the early 1990s, New Mexico has seen an
the state without a college degree. every 100 students. In contrast, among other increase in the proportion of students who complete
racial/ethnic groups, 13 degrees are awarded for certificates and degrees relative to the number
every 100 students. The rate of awards for both enrolled.
Hispanics and Native Americans is 13 for every 100
nDuring the same period, New Mexico has also seen
undergraduate enrollments.
an increase in the number of certificates and degrees
completed relative to the population with no college
degree. Nevertheless, the state’s current performance
on this measure remains very low when compared
with other states.
The completion category addresses whether students continue through their educational programs and earn certificates or degrees in a timely manner.
Certificates and degrees from one- and two-year programs as well as the bachelor’s degree are included.
MEASURING UP 2008 9 www.highereducation.org
BENEFITS New Mexico 2008
C+ A fairly small proportion of residents have a bachelor’s degree, and
the economic benefits to the state as a result are only fair.
2008 Grade Change Over Time
Graded Information
New Mexico
BENEFITS
Compared with other states: Top States
Early 1990s* 2008
nA fairly small proportion of
residents have a bachelor’s Educational Achievement (38%)
degree, and the economic Adults (ages 25 to 64) with an associate’s degree or higher 27% 34% 44%
benefits to the state as a result
Adults (ages 25 to 64) with a bachelor’s degree or higher 22% 26% 37%
are only fair.
Economic Benefits (31%)
nHowever, residents contribute
Increase in total personal income as a result of the percentage
substantially to the civic good, as
of population with some college (including an associate’s degree), 2% 2% 3%
measured by charitable giving but not a bachelor’s degree
and voting.
Increase in total personal income as a result of the percentage
8% 8% 11%
of population holding a bachelor’s degree
Performance Gaps
Civic Benefits (31%)
nThere is a 26% gap between Residents voting in national elections 54% 56% 65%
whites and other racial/ethnic
Of those who itemize on federal income taxes, the percentage
groups in the percentage of 25- to declaring charitable gifts 86% 82% 90%
64-year-olds with a bachelor’s
Increase in volunteering as a result of college education 18% 15% 20%
degree or higher, which is the
Adult Skill Levels (0%)**
largest gap in the United States.
Among the same population, 13% Quantitative Literacy n/a n/a n/a
of Hispanics and 10% of Native Prose Literacy n/a n/a n/a
Americans in New Mexico have a
Document Literacy n/a n/a n/a
bachelor’s degree or higher,
compared with 40% of whites. *The indicators report data beginning in the early 1990s or the closest year for which reliable data are available.
See the Technical Guide for Measuring Up 2008.
nIf all racial/ethnic groups had the
**State-level estimates on these measures are not currently available except for six states participating in an oversample;
same educational attainment and
NCES intends to release limited 50-state data on this 2003 survey in 2009.
earnings as whites, total annual
personal income in the state
would be about $7 billion higher.
Change in Graded Measures Other Key Facts
Since the early 1990s: nIn 2007, New Mexico scored 54 on the New Economy
nThe percentage of residents holding a bachelor’s Index, compared with a nationwide score of 62. The
New Economy Index, created by the Kauffman
degree has increased by 20%, compared with an
Foundation, measures the extent to which a state is
increase of 28% for the United States overall.
participating in knowledge-based industries. A higher
nThe percentage of New Mexico residents who vote score means increased participation.
has increased slightly, in contrast to a nationwide
nPolicymakers and state residents do not have access to
decrease of 4%.
important information about high-level literacy skills
because the state has declined to participate in the
national literacy survey.
The benefits category measures the economic and societal benefits that the state receives as a result of having well-educated residents.
MEASURING UP 2008 10 www.highereducation.org