Rubio proposes higher education overhaul - MICHAEL J. MISHAK, Associated Press

Possible presidential contender Sen. Marco Rubio called Monday for overhauling the nation's higher education system to close an "opportunity gap" between Americans with and without advanced degrees. The Florida Republican said the reforms should include state-accredited alternatives to four-year colleges, income-based terms for repaying college loans and new standards for accrediting free Internet courses. At the heart of his proposal are alternatives to a four-year college degree. Free online courses—evaluated and overseen by an independent accrediting board —would be transferable to traditional schools and eligible for federal aid. Workers could also use their skills to earn certifications or degrees outside traditional institutions by passing new standardized tests. http://www.denverpost.com/ci_25102269/rubio-propose-higher-education-overhaul