Virginia

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:

  1. Enrollment metrics for students of color
  2. Success metrics for students of color
  3. Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  4. Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  5. 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

Virginia adopted outcomes-based funding for community colleges in 2016. It is allocated as bonus funding annually. The metrics include:

  • Completion
    • Math
    • English
    • Retention
    • Progression
    • Awards
    • Transfer
  • Additional weights for students in Career/Technical degree, diploma, and certificate programs
  • Additional weights for awards to members of underserved populations, including first-generation students, minority students, and Pell-eligible students

The policy does not have a metric that measures campus climate. The policy is overseen by the Virginia Community College System. To learn more, visit https://www.ccleague.org/sites/default/files/images/overview_vccs_outcomes_based_funding_model.pdf.

Two-Year Institutions

Enrollment of Students of Color None
Success of Students of Color Weight
Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds Weight
Measure Related to Campus Climate None

Four-Year: Degree Targets

Virginia has two outcomes-based funding initiatives that are tied to degree production at four-year institutions. The Degree Targets initiative allocates bonus funding annually to institutions that meet certain agreed-upon targets in key areas that will help the state meet its workforce needs. These initiatives operate like “agreements” on specific performance measures. The metrics include degree completion in the following programs:

  • Data Science and Engineering
  • Science and Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Computer Science

The Degree Targets initiative does not have a campus climate metric. The initiative is overseen by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. To learn more, visit: https://ihodvirginiageneralassembly.s3.amazonaws.com/agenda_block_docs/attaches/000/000/331/original/III_b_-_Update_on_Degree_Funding_ver_2.pdf?1542131508

Four-Year: Degree Targets

Enrollment of Students of Color None
Success of Students of Color None
Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Measure Related to Campus Climate None

Four-Year: Tech Talent Investment Program

Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program was launched in 2017 and allocates bonus funding annually. It is designed to produce at least 25,000 new bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and related fields over the next 20 years. The Tech Talent Investment Program does not include a campus climate metric.

To learn more, visit https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title23.1/chapter12.1/section23.1-1240/ and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam – November.

Four-Year: Tech Talent Investment Program

Enrollment of Students of Color None
Success of Students of Color None
Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Measure Related to Campus Climate None

Outcomes-Based Funding Map Placeholder
Outcomes-Based Funding Map