MHEC News December 2024
Greetings,
As the calendar year comes to a close, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) commissioners, committee members, advisory groups, and partner organizations from our 12 member states who worked alongside us this year to strengthen postsecondary education.
MHEC is a unique organization where higher education leaders, policymakers, and other Midwestern leaders — regardless of differences — come together to develop and support best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. The depth and breadth of experience of our members is one of our greatest strengths, and we are grateful for what each of you contributes to this work.
- We have much to share in this edition of MHEC News, including:
- A new interactive dashboard highlight comparing the median earnings of adults who completed some college to high school graduates
- Strategic updates on the expanded use of MHEC technology and a new Hewlett Foundation grant for open education
- Recordings and presentations from our terrific November Annual Commission Meeting
The MHEC team sends warm holiday wishes and best hopes for continued success in the coming year.
Susan G. Heegaard
MHEC President
Policy & Research
Median Earnings Consistently Higher Among Those Who Completed Some College Credit or Higher
The latest update to MHEC's Interactive Dashboard shows that the median earnings of adults who completed some college credit or an undergraduate credential were consistently higher than the median earnings of high school graduates across all Midwestern states in 2023.
The earnings difference between adults with a high school diploma and those with some college credit (including a certificate) or an associate degree ranged from $4,412 in Kansas to $8,608 in North Dakota, compared to the national average of $6,496. The earnings difference between adults with a high school diploma and those with a bachelor’s degree was greater, ranging from $16,724 in South Dakota to $30,842 in Illinois, compared to the national average of $27,828.
This indicator shows median earnings among adults ages 25 and older with earnings over the previous 12 months whose highest level of education is a high school diploma (including equivalency), some college credit (including a certificate) or an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
Selected workforce indicators are also available for MHEC states in the report Higher Education in Focus.
Source. U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). American Community Survey one-year estimates: Median earnings in the past 12 months by sex by educational attainment for the population 25 years and over.
Strategic Updates
Driving Cost Savings and Business Solutions
Technology Contract Use and Savings Increase
MHEC’s cooperative contracts saved its 12 member states $32.2 million in FY 2024, a two percent increase from FY 2023. The increase highlights the growing utilization of MHEC contracts and their expanding impact on institutional efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The rise in overall savings reflects the adaptability of the contracts to meet diverse institutional needs, from large universities requiring complex IT solutions to smaller colleges seeking essential tools. Institutions across the region benefited from streamlined procurement processes that provide access to advanced technology solutions and opportunities to save valuable resources:
- Dell and Oracle provided scalable infrastructure.
- Parchment simplified credential management.
- Lenovo delivered versatile devices.
- SAS and Resultant supported data-driven decision-making.
- HP Inc., Lenovo, and HPE supplied reliable hardware and infrastructure.
By assuming responsibility or acting on behalf of entities, MHEC eliminates the need for individual RFPs and vendor negotiations, while still allowing for tailoring of contracts to serve users' needs. Institutions save valuable staff time and money that can be redirected toward strategic goals such as hybrid learning and cybersecurity.
MHEC's recent partnership with Illinois State University (ISU) illustrates the value of MHEC's cooperative agreements. ISU sought a cost-effective, compliant solution to upgrade and expand its campus-wide wireless connectivity. MHEC streamlined ISU's procurement process by providing a pre-vetted agreement that aligned with Illinois procurement standards and delivered cost efficiencies. As a result, ISU saved both time and resources by eliminating the need for multiple contracts or rebidding.
MHEC’s collaborative model empowers institutions of all sizes and locations to access premium solutions at competitive rates, driving regional economic growth by supporting workforce development and advancing institutional goals. Whether a large university upgrading its IT systems or a small rural college adopting advanced credential management tools, MHEC contracts ensure equitable access and significant cost savings. Learn more.
Developing Collaborative Solutions to Regional Problems and Opportunities
New Grant Strengthens Open Educational Resources and Practices
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation awarded MHEC a $550,000 grant to strengthen and expand open educational resources (OER) and open educational practices (OEP) across the Midwest and beyond. This funding will enhance state-level capacity to implement sustainable OER strategies, deepen the integration of OER and OEP in K-12 and postsecondary education, and foster equitable access to high-quality learning materials. The goal is to improve coordination among regional compacts, increase infrastructure for open education, and support institutions across the Midwest to scale their OER initiatives.
This is the second major grant MHEC has received from the Hewlett Foundation related to open education and will allow MHEC to build upon the strong foundation created by the first grant. Learn more.
Convenings
FAFSA 2025-2026: What You Need to Know
The helpful presentation and recording from MHEC's recent webinar on the latest updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available online.
Commissioner News
2024 Annual Commission Meeting Presentations Available
The November Commission Meeting in Overland Park, KS, featured insightful presentations on numerous important topics, from workforce development to postsecondary education for incarcerated individuals, and developing literacy teachers to legislative updates.
Access the Recordings & Presentations
Team Updates
MHEC to Present at the 2025 Council of College and Military Educators Symposium
Sara Appel, Director of the Midwestern State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, will represent MHEC at this symposium, February 23–27, 2025, in National Harbor, MD. She will join colleagues from NC-SARA and the State Authorization Network to present on “Enhancing Support for Military-Connected Students: Collaboration in Complaint Management.” The symposium brings together military services, colleges, universities, and leading professionals to exchange ideas, share innovations, and advance best practices that improve higher education for those who serve.
Articles and Resources of Interest
College closures could increase sharply in face of the demographic cliff
Higher Ed Dive | December 5, 2024
Rural students’ options shrink as colleges slash majors
Washington Post | November 26, 2024
How do state appropriations impact graduation rates among underrepresented students?
Higher Ed Dive | February 26, 2024
Survey: College students consider health and wellness services average
Inside Higher Ed | November 1, 2024
