RALEIGH — Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory says he would work to increase the value of a North Carolina college diploma in part by helping students better determine whether a four- or two-year degree best matches their skills.

The former Charlotte mayor released Friday his higher education platform. It builds on previously unveiled ideas in which he’s said there should be two pathways to get a high school degree — an academic route and a vocational route.

McCrory’s position paper says his administration would seek to increase college graduation rates he said often fall below 50 percent and improve K-12 education to reduce the need for remedial college courses.

He also wants to provide financial incentives to students who finish college degrees early.