Panel urges tuition changes to boost Ohio grads

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A panel studying ways to boost Ohio's college graduation rate says colleges and universities should raise tuition on students to out-of-state rates and impose financial penalties on their institutions if they're taking too long to graduate.

In a report released Tuesday, the Complete College Ohio Task Force also says institutions should tie tuition guarantees to completing on a set schedule, and distribute financial aid like a paycheck to encourage students to work less and take more classes.

Ohio Chancellor Jim Petro told educators in Columbus completion is the state's most important higher education challenge. Only about a quarter of Ohioans hold college degrees, about five points below the national average.

The task force also wants to see families and high schools more engaged, and sooner, in students' college planning.