Not everyone has to go to college, but everyone should know if they could.

Across the country, thousands of students are finding out about their college options without having to apply. They’re already in, based on how they do in high school.

Direct admission programs are clearing the way to college, instead of hoping students will choose to apply and figure out the complicated process. It’s a no-brainer given that the economy is increasingly demanding more skilled workers, and bachelor’s degrees remain the strongest engine for helping people achieve good jobs and good lives.

So why not make good decisions easier? Save the tedious paperwork for the IRS, and leave the mysteries, suspense, and plot twists to Agatha Christie.

Direct admission is just one piece of the puzzle, and it reflects a larger shift toward designing higher education for students, rather than for institutions. Higher ed leaders are looking for more places to smooth the path—or find new ways that work better for students.

Could an approach like direct admission help the 43 million Americans with some college experience see a path for returning to finish their credentials? Could more seamless transition exist for working adults who........

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