Transparency by Design: Making College Choices Clearer
Oct 01, 2025Imagine trying to choose a college program without reliable data. For years, adult learners faced exactly that challenge—marketing hype often overshadowed meaningful information. In Episode 2 of our conversation with Dr. Cali Morrison, she introduces *Transparency by Design*, a groundbreaking effort to change that.
Supported by the Lumina Foundation and led by WCET, Transparency by Design brought together 22 institutions committed to publishing program-level data that mattered to adult learners. Instead of glossy brochures, learners could see side-by-side comparisons of learning outcomes, costs, and completion metrics. The goal was simple: help students make decisions based on facts, not promises.
The project didn’t last forever—funding and sustainability were challenges—but its impact has echoed across higher education. Even today, the U.S. Department of Defense uses the progress metric first developed in this initiative to track military learners.
As Cali notes, this work was ahead of its time. It set a standard for openness and accountability, reminding us that transparency isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a necessity for learners who deserve to know what they’re signing up for.
👉 Listen to Episode 2 of the Engaged By Design Podcast to hear Cali’s full account of Transparency by Design and how it paved the way for future data initiatives.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
