In this report, we examined five kinds of equity-focused metrics in state OBF policies to determine the extent to which states prioritize the enrollment and success of students of color and students from low-income backgrounds:
- Enrollment metrics for students of color
- Success metrics for students of color
- Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
- Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
- Metrics related to campus racial climate
While the inclusion of these metrics in policies is essential, how they are deployed is equally as important. Therefore, we also considered whether the metrics were mandatory, optional, or weighted. Weighted metrics are the most ideal. These are mandatory and are given additional value, so strong institutional performance on a weighted metric would garner greater advantage or funding.
Two-Year Institutions
California adopted outcomes-based funding in 2018. It is allocated as base funding annually.
California uses a “Student-Centered Funding Formula,” which awards points to institutions for the following metrics:
- Number of students receiving a Pell Grant
- Number of students receiving a College Promise Grant
- Number of students covered by California Assembly Bill 540, which allows in-state tuition rates for undocumented and other eligible students at California’s public colleges and universities
- Number of students earning associate degrees and credit certificates
- Number of students transferring to four-year colleges and universities
- Number of students who complete transfer level math and English within their first-year
- Number of students who complete 9 or more career education units
- Number of graduates who earn a regional living wage
A unique feature of this policy is the metric for the attainment of a regional living wage, which rewards institutions for the number of graduates who obtain a job that pays them at or above the regional cost of living. The policy does not include a campus climate metric.
The policy is overseen by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. To learn more, visit https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/College-Finance-and-Facilities-Planning/Student-Centered-Funding-Formula.
Two-Year Institutions |
|
| Enrollment of Students of Color | None |
| Success of Students of Color | Weight |
| Enrollment of Students from Low-Income Backgrounds | Mandatory |
| Success of Students from Low-Income Backgrounds | Mandatory |
| Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
Outcomes-Based Funding Map