WASHINGTON (AP) — The Education Department has awarded $75 million to 24 colleges and universities to foster innovation in college value and efficiency.

The new competition is called "First in the World" and 500 schools applied. Applicants submitted proposals with plans in areas such as improving graduation rates, making it smoother to transfer between schools and increasing enrollment in science and technology programs.

For example, Purdue University in Indiana says it will use its winning $2.3 million grant to redesign large lecture courses in areas such as science to more fully engage students.

And, in New York, LaGuardia Community College says it will use $2.9 million it was awarded to strengthen its curriculum to better assess students and track their progress.