Competency-based learning: a glimpse into the future of higher ed?

摘要

Not much had changed since I last walked the university's lush quad more than 17 years ago. Both Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo came and went-the NFL QBs are among several prominent EIU grads to make their mark in the NFL, including Saints head coach Sean Payton-and the school added a sleek fine arts center designed by Antoine Predock. But other than the starchitect's contemporary creation, the campus looked virtually untouched. In a nostalgic mood, this put a smile on my face. My wistful spirit shifted, though, when I learned about the cost of today's EIU experience. More accurately, my jaw hit the floor. In less than two decades since I graduated, the annual in-state tuition had ballooned 192% to $8,490. Room and board: up 155%, to $8,996. Tack on books, fees, and other expenses, and the average on-campus, four-year degree runs students in excess of $85,000-and EIU remains one of the least-expensive state schools in Illinois.