The city’s current savings plan starts with $100. A City Council proposal would make the initial contributions among the highest anywhere.

Supporters say reducing the time it takes Oklahoma college students to get their degree from about 120 credit hours to 90 could make college more affordable, but critics warn that it could ultimately lead to the state having a less prepared workforce and underdeveloped degrees.

The average college student expects to earn $80,000 after graduation, according to a new survey from Clever Real Estate. But the actual starting salary for college graduates is closer to $56,000.

Alger is leaving the presidency to become the first America 250 Fellow on democracy and education, an appointed role with two higher education associations.