acpa position on Budgeting, Allocations, and Tax Regulations In Higher Education

At ACPA College Student Educators-International, we believe in the influence and value of higher education in society.

Over the last decade until just last year, state support for higher education was in decline. State funding decreased from $91.6 billion in 2006 to $90.5 billion in 2016, and while states modestly increased financial support for higher education in 2017, this funding does not keep up with inflation, leaving students responsible for greater costs and debt.

Recent federal legislation has increased concern for institutions of higher education, signaling a continued divestment. The Endowment Tax provision on private colleges passed in December, 2017 imposes a 1.4 percent excise tax on all investment income of institutions with $500,000 in endowment assets per full-time student, thereby affecting a small number of elite colleges. However, the Republican tax bill has caused concern for many organizations in higher education, as it does not explicitly provide for adjustment for inflation and may become a precedent-setting legislation impacting more institutions in the future. Endowments are often the source of funding for financial aid and other important resources for students.

This provision is just one part of recent initiatives to tax and regulate higher education in the U.S. ACPA College Student Educators-International will continue to monitor such legislation advocating for the best outcomes for students and educators.

All aspects of higher education and the student affairs profession are influenced by funding and other such legislation. It is important that our members learn more about our role in this, and continue to share and disseminate information to colleagues, administration, and institutions.

Any legislation that proposes a divestment in education, financially or otherwise, goes against the progress we have worked so hard as a country to sustain. All aspects of our economy, scientific advancement, and social fabric are influenced by the quality and accessibility of our higher education. We at ACPA College Student Educators-International support students, faculty, and staff in their calls for action to state and federal governments, demanding an investment in our most valuable endeavor for the future: students.

Additional resources on this issue:

• Higher Education Today: Budgeting for Institutional Success
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities