SB 5425 - DIGEST

Finds that, over the next decade, large numbers of Washington students will graduate from high school and seek access to higher education. Washington continues to lag significantly behind other states in its production of students with baccalaureate degrees and graduate degrees.

Finds that a new public four-year institution of higher education has not been created in the state of Washington since 1967. The three comprehensive institutions of higher education were created in the late 1890s when the state normal schools were established and no new comprehensive institution of higher education has been created since then.

Finds that northern Snohomish county and the surrounding region do not have reasonable access to a four-year institution of higher education.

Declares an intent to create a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution in north Snohomish county.