The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved a framework of a new way to fund the state's public colleges and universities.
The framework lays out metrics on which the state's colleges and universities will be measured. The metrics are focused on ensuring students are moving toward earning a credential, which ranges from a certificate of proficiency up to a doctorate degree.
Previously, higher education institutions were funded by the state based largely on enrollment.
If lawmakers approve the change next year, the board would vote on a more detailed funding formula that it would use for its funding recommendations beginning in 2018. The board also called on the Legislature to increase higher education funding, which has remained flat for several years.
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.