Idaho’s ‘Go On’ Rate declines

New statistics show Idaho’s rate of students receiving a post-secondary education is declining. The JA and Kathryn Albertson Foundation calls it the Go On rate. The hope is to have 60 percent of graduating high school students attend two-to-four-year schools.

The Go On rate in Bonneville County is above the state’s rate. About 56 percent of students go on to college, but Madison County reported a drop-off.

“If you’re looking for quick fixes, education is a frustrating place to be,” said Park Price, regional chair for Idaho Business for Education.

“It is so important that we continue to be involved in it, and if we just convert people by one, that is what we need to do,” Price said.

The findings from the National Student Clearinghouse show that in 2013, just under 52 percent of Idaho’s high school graduates enrolled in two-or-four-year college — a drop from 2012, when 54 percent of grads continued their education.

“State support for education continues to decline, which means the parents and students have got to make up the difference,” Price said.

Price also said to make up for that difference, students should enroll in dual-credit classes while in high school. Another thing you can do is apply for scholarships. Idaho Falls–area mother Shannon Taylor and her daughter applied for scholarships to help with high tuition costs. Idaho State University said it costs about $13,000 a year to pay for tuition. The average cost for a private university is $44,000.

“We try to prepare as much as we can, but there is only so much you can do when you have to pay the mortgage and put food on the table,” said Taylor.

Price said one way to increase the rate is to talk to more parents about the importance of education. He will do that through meetings and getting the word out through the media.

A study showed 60 percent of jobs will require a post-secondary degree. The foundation said that is why the Go On goal is 60 percent.