Most freshmen who begin their studies at Ohio's public colleges and universities will have their high hopes dashed. They will not graduate.
Of those who do manage to earn bachelor's degrees, many will require six years, not the traditional four, to obtain them. In fact, throughout the nation, the benchmark for success in getting students out of four-year institutions of higher learning is five years.
Of course, not everyone is capable of the work needed to earn a bachelor's degree. Not everyone is able to complete the task in four years. Part of the problem is that with encouragement from the higher education establishment some young people who should not be pursuing degrees are enrolling in colleges and universities.
And part of the problem is the public school system, which too often awards high school college prep diplomas to students who simply have not been given the academic tools to go on to higher education.
In other words, the challenge is a comprehensive one. It is a task that, for the good of Buckeye State young people, needs to be addressed.
A start has been proposed by Gov. John Kasich's administration. The governor suggests the state should alter its funding formula for colleges and universities. Instead of basing it primarily on enrollment, the General Assembly should dole out money based more on how many students succeed, Kasich believes.
Thoughtful higher education leaders already have embraced the suggestion. Legislators should, too. They should alter the funding formula during the coming year.