State appropriations

In OPtimizing EDucation, by Mia Murphy May 26, 2021

My colleague Dan Hurley posted earlier this week about a major national study that reaffirms the direct role state investment in higher education has in determining student outcomes at public universities. This investment helps draws students to campuses by keeping education…

In OPtimizing EDucation, by Dan Hurley May 25, 2021

The leaders of Michigan’s 15 public universities and the team here at MASU have long contended that there are real consequences for the state’s disinvestment in higher education over the past twenty years, which has seen a more than 40% reduction in state funding per student. As…

In OPtimizing EDucation, by Mia Murphy March 26, 2021

We’ve recently heard interest in Lansing, as limited as it is, of supporting public universities in Michigan through a voucher model. Such a model would theoretically set a flat rate amount of state funding that is paid to state universities on a per student basis. After all,…

In Higher Ed Finance, by Dan Hurley October 1, 2020

When it comes to matters of state funding for higher education in Michigan and the enhancement of college affordability, there has been little reason to express appreciation since the turn of this century, given the more than $1 billion inflation-adjusted disinvestment in…

In Financial Aid, by Dan Hurley December 6, 2019

Seldom are reports published that so clearly and concisely illustrate just how much of an aberration Michigan is when it comes to ensuring college affordability for its residents. The release by The Century Foundation of its latest report on Michigan college affordability…

In Accountability, by Mia Murphy December 2, 2019

This fall in the Michigan Legislature, the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Higher Education are holding informational hearings while they consider revisions to the state’s funding formula utilized for its 15 public universities. MASU is slated to testify on Dec.…

In Higher Ed Finance, by Dan Hurley September 20, 2018

The extent to which state governments invest in their public colleges and universities and in their student financial aid programs has a direct impact on access to and affordability of a college degree. Greater state investment mitigates the need for colleges to raise tuition…

In Higher Ed Finance, by Mia Murphy January 19, 2018

One thing that’s always perplexed me is how drivers occasionally get hit by trains. Trains don’t veer off course. Trains don’t suddenly make a right turn in front of you on your way to the grocery store. Trains just lumber steadily down the track, unable to slow down or speed up…