Funding & Finance

As an association dedicated to student development, college student educators and student affairs professionals, ACPA College Student Educators-International supports the many calls for action regarding state and federal investment in higher education.

Universities and colleges across the United States have been facing a decline in investment from federal and state governments for decades, and are continually expected to do more with less, as enrollment continues to rise in many communities. Moody’s Investor Services and Analytics reports* on this decline in university revenue, finding more than 60 percent of universities with revenue growth under inflation and 1 in 4 public universities facing a decline in revenue. Moody’s report finds a troubling over reliance on tuition and fees for universities and colleges, highlighting the harmful consequences for students.

The increasing divestment in higher education from states and the federal government are more than just symbolically troubling, these budget shortfalls have real implications for faculty, staff, and students across college campuses in the United States.

We have entered a crossroads as a society when it comes to institutions of higher education. In the face of financial hardship, challenging conversations revolving the purpose and value of higher education have increased in relevance. It is important to remember that institutions of higher education act as catalysts to our future, shepherding students from where they are now to contributing professionals and members of society. State and federal governments must recognize the importance of investment in higher education for our economy and social fabric.

Additional resources on this issue:

• New America: Perception vs. Reality: Higher Education Finance
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Funding Down, Tuition Up
• Association of American Colleges & Universities