Grim funding outlook for Oregon public colleges and universities

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission distributes funding and sets policies for Oregon’s community colleges and public universities. As OPB reported, HECC’s  Board approved last month a $4.7 billion budget request for the 2027-2029 biennium. Gov. Tina Kotek will consider the proposal as part of the overall state budget recommendations given to the state Legislature when it reconvenes next year.    Oregon public colleges and universities are facing multiple financial headwinds that have grown worse in recent years. That includes stagnant state funding for higher education that has left Oregon near the bottom compared to other states.     HECC board members have warned that greater investment in higher education is necessary amid rising administration and labor costs, canceled federal grants, inflation and other challenges. Year-over-year tuition increases amid declining student enrollment adds to the uncertainty facing Oregon’s public universities.    Greg Hamann is the chair of HECC. He joins us for a discussion of the state of higher education funding for Oregon’s public colleges and universities.