New American and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) teamed up this summer for a survey of state higher education agencies and systems on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected state funding for public higher education. The pandemic has depressed economic activity and led to increased costs for states, both of which can affect the availability of funding for public higher education. State higher education funding includes investments in higher education institutions, student financial aid, capital projects, and research.

The survey responses reveal a wide variety in how the pandemic has affected state funding for higher education. In some states, there has not yet been a significant relationship between the pandemic and state higher education funding, while other states have already outlined sharp cuts to higher education budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Some states are waiting on a federal stimulus package before taking next steps on the state budget. The state survey information is only preliminary, and will likely change in the months ahead as new state revenue numbers are announced and if a deal is reached on a federal stimulus package. We currently have 46 states included in this tracker which is organized alphabetically within U.S. Census regions. This website will be updated as we receive more information.

For more information on the survey or further questions, please contact Rachel Fishman at fishmanr@newamerica.org or Tom Harnisch at tharnisch@sheeo.org.

Updated 02/18/21 with revised responses from Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida (new addition), Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada (new addition), Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Archived responses through February 9, 2021 here.

In Connecticut, the state legislature adjourned in March due to COVID-19, when session typically goes until June. Since this happened mid-session, the legislature was not able to make any changes to the two-year budget adopted in 2019. As a result, state funding for higher education has not yet been impacted. However, the state ended FY 2020 with a moderate deficit, and has reported a substantial fall-off in revenue expected in FY 2021 as well. The Governor may rescind up to 5 percent of CSCU’s appropriation to address such a deficit.

The CT Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is in the process of collecting and fulfilling requests for reimbursement of COVID-19 related expenses with federal funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund that came directly to the state. Connecticut State Colleges and Universities will continue to work closely with the legislature in order to secure funding to support our system when they return for a special session.

Updated 07/28/20

In response to a budget shortfall due to drops in sales and income tax revenue, Maine Governor Janet T. Mills issued a curtailment order in September 2020, which included a 1 percent reduction ($2.25M) to an already-flat FY 21 state appropriation for the University of Maine System, and similar 1 percent reduction for the state’s community college system ($745,850) and public maritime academy ($92,141).

Despite an initial request to plan for state funding cuts of as much as 10.4 percent in the FY 22-23 biennium, the Governor’s budget proposal released in January 2021 held funding flat at pre-curtailment FY 21 levels for Maine’s public postsecondary systems and maritime academy. That budget recommendation will be taken up by the Maine Legislature starting in February.

In November, the Mills administration announced it would use a portion of its remaining Coronavirus Relief Funding to reimburse the state’s public postsecondary institutions for fall semester testing and PPE costs, including $8.1M for the University of Maine System’s successful COVID-19 testing program that kept the positivity rate on public university campuses to a fraction of the state’s already low rate. None of Maine's Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds were directed to its 38 colleges and universities, which collectively have a $4.5B impact on the state’s economy.

The pandemic’s financial impact on the state’s largest public educational and research enterprise, the University of Maine System, is estimated at $100M, including $27M for testing and tracing; $14M for room and board losses; $12.8M for reimbursement to students in spring 2020 following the early closure of residences halls; and $30M from research redirection and downtime at the University of Maine. So far, no costs have been passed on to students and their families.

Updated 02/09/21

The state of New Jersey has experienced a budget shortfall of nearly $10 billion in fiscal year 2021. The state immediately extended fiscal year 2020 and pushed back the state tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15, 2020. In March 2020, the Office of Management and Budget placed a total of $920 million of appropriations into reserve, including about $113 million dedicated to higher education operating aid, to ensure the state could continue to meet emergency and statutory obligations.

With the state fiscal year extension, a supplemental budget was passed to fund higher education from July 1 through September 30, 2020 at 25 percent of Governor Phil Murphy’s budget recommendation for fiscal year 2021.

The state has maintained tuition assistance programs for postsecondary students at their fiscal year 2020 funding levels. These include Tuition Aid Grants (TAG), Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grants and Community College Opportunity Grants, among others.

Data self-reported from public institutions of higher education about the financial impacts of the pandemic totaled approximately $763.8 million through September 30, 2020.

Governor Murphy announced the state’s revised fiscal year 2021 budget on August 25, 2020, which included details on higher education funding for the abbreviated fiscal year 2021 (the nine-month period between October 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021). The state dedicated all of its federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund I (GEERF) under the CARES Act to fund public institutions of higher education. A total of $68 million in GEERF was allocated to 29 two- and four-year public institutions of higher education to assist them during the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional $225 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF) was allocated to public and not-for-profit private higher education institutions.

For more details on the financial health of the state, please see the “Report on the Financial Condition of the State Budget for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021,” which was released in May 2020.

To see the full nine-month budget for fiscal year 2021, see the “Appropriations Handbook 2020 – 2021”.

Updated 02/09/21

New York State enacted a fiscal year 20-21 budget in April. It did not include any funding adjustments based on the pandemic. It did include a provision allowing future adjustments to be made as needed based on the impact on the state’s economy of the pandemic. As a contingency for the impact, the state is currently withholding 20 percent of funding for state agencies and public universities.

Updated 10/15/20

Since our budget was negotiated during the height of the pandemic in March, (our fiscal year begins April 1st), the appropriation levels didn’t change much from the prior year, instead the Governor and Legislature agreed to a process for reductions if necessary later in the fiscal year. Governor Cuomo has been clear that without significant funding for states and localities from the federal government (most recent press release asking for $500 billion to states and localities here), there will be reductions to the budget passed in April.

Although the ever-shifting circumstances make it impossible to precisely calculate the full impact, SUNY projects that the negative impact as of June 30th totals $400 million, with potential to reach approximately $1.0 billion in the coming months due to the an expected loss in enrollment, losses in residence hall revenue, and enhanced health and safety costs.

Updated 10/06/20

When Pennsylvania passed its 2020-2021 budget in May 2020, most portions of the budget were only funded for six months. The exception was line items related to higher education. Despite the reduction of tax revenue caused by COVID-19, Pennsylvania was able to level-fund public higher education support for 2020-2021. Financial support for all public colleges and universities, as well as financial aid to support students at any college or university, was funded at 2019-2020 appropriation levels. Additionally, due to the availability of CARES Act funding provided to the state, Pennsylvania was able to provide additional financial support to the state funds distributed in the General Appropriations bill.

An additional $30 million was provided to the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, which increased the maximum award for students from the 2019-2020 levels. An additional $5 million was appropriated for institutional grants to private colleges and universities, $5 million for grant programs that assist disadvantaged students, and $2.2 million for student loan interest forbearance. The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding was also appropriated at $28 million for postsecondary education in Pennsylvania. Adult and Basic Education programs received $500 thousand with the remaining funds going to postsecondary schools according to the distribution which can be found here.

CARES ACT funding was used to provide an additional $30 million to the PASSHE (PA State System of Higher Education) universities, and the state legislature approved a bill that enables PASSHE reform – something that was on the table prior to COVID-19. In Pennsylvania, most Commonwealth departments and agencies were funded on a short-term, six-month basis as the state awaits final revenue figures. Higher education—including Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, state-related universities, community colleges and state grant program—was flat funded for the entire 2020/21 fiscal year. In addition, the Commonwealth appropriated $30 million of one-time federal CARES Act Title V funds to the State System and $30 million to the state grant program. Yet, COVID has affected state funding for higher education in so much as the State System, for example, had sought a 2 percent increase in the annual state appropriation and a $20 million investment—part of a five-year $100 million request—to modernize the System’s operating infrastructure. The 12-month, level-funded budget has provided much needed predictability and was extremely helpful, especially in a year that so far has resulted in a $3.2 billion revenue loss for the Commonwealth, but State System universities are now anticipating using approximately $140 million in reserves to meet their FY 2020-21 expenditure requirements, partly due to declining enrollments and increased costs due to COVID-19. Without increased financial resources, it is increasingly challenging to be responsive to the concerns of the General Assembly, the Commonwealth, and most importantly, the needs of our students.

Updated 10/14/20

The FY 20-21 budget was approved. In preparation for the FY 22 budget, the institutions of higher education are working to meet projected shortfalls due to the coronavirus pandemic and the concomitant enrollment drops. In line with the Governor’s budget recommendations, the potential cutbacks in state appropriations could amount to 15 percent.

Updated 02/09/21

The Vermont State Colleges is facing a $40 million budget deficit for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The VSC was already facing significant headwinds prior to the pandemic with structural challenges relative to regional demographics, its heavy dependency on student tuition, and a larger than necessary physical footprint. These structural challenges were dramatically compounded by the pandemic resulting in a deficit that is equivalent to roughly 23 percent of anticipated operating expenses for the fiscal year.

The State of Vermont has been extremely generous to the Vermont State Colleges. As of this writing, bridge funding of $12.5 million has been allocated to the system. The legislature and Governor are currently working with the VSC to resolve the remaining gap and we are hopeful they will be able to do so. We continue to creatively use CARES Relief Fund money where possible under the guidelines issued by the US Department of Treasury. With that said, we continue to work with our federal delegation to address easing of restrictions related to use of these funds.

Updated 8/28/20

The FY 2020-21 education budget passed by the Alabama Legislature during the 2020 Session included an overall increase of 2.7 percent for the universities and 2.1 percent for the two-year colleges. So far, state funding for higher education for this budget has not been impacted by Covid-19. However, Alabama has an October 1 – September 30 fiscal year, so there are still three quarters of the fiscal year remaining. At this time, we do not anticipate any mid-year cuts to the FY 2020-2021 budget. Alabama is fortunate that it has two fairly healthy proration prevention/rainy day accounts that hopefully should help stave off any major cuts.

Updated 02/09/21

Delaware's state budget was approved into law on July 1, 2020. There were no changes to the higher education budget as a result of COVID-19.

Updated 07/27/20

The State University System (SUS) of Florida, comprising of 12 public universities, received a State appropriation of $3.2 billion in March 2020. Due to declining sales tax receipts as a result of the pandemic, the Governor withheld six percent of all general revenue appropriations. For the State University System this was approximately $200 million.

The CARES Act provided $288.5 million to the SUS, of which $126 million was to go directly to students to assist in covering eligible expenses. The balance of $162.6 million was for institutional expenses associated with COVID-19. Of this amount $45 million went to reimburse students for housing and meal plans associated with the Spring 2020 semester. The balance of $117.6 million has been used to cover expenses allowed under the CARES Act guidance.

CARES Act 2.0, signed in December will provide the SUS with approximately $427.6 million, of which a minimum of $126 million must go directly to students.

The Governor released his 2021-2022 budget recommendations on January 28, 2021 and included a State appropriation of $3.2 billion for the SUS, basically a flat budget when compared to 2020-2021. The Legislative session begins on March 2, 2021.

Last updated 02/09/21

Kentucky postsecondary institutions provided the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education with preliminary estimates of additional costs and lost revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not including hospitals, the impact to the system is estimated at $101 million for 2019-20, and $200 million in 2020-21, or 12 percent and 23 percent, respectively, of the state general fund appropriations for operations. Postsecondary institutions were spared from a state budget reduction in 2019-20.

Note: Kentucky Governor’s recommended budget for 2020-21 includes a 2 percent increase for postsecondary operating, $55,000,000 in state funding for campus asset preservation projects, and provides $20 million to offset 90 percent of the anticipated pension-related cost increases expected at the institutions. The Governor also included an expansion of scholarships for associate and certificate seeking students ($16.4 million) in his recommended budget. The Legislature is expected to pass a budget for 2021-22 by late March 2021.

Updated 02/18/21

In Georgia, the FY 2021 budget went into effect July 1, 2020 with budget reductions across state government due to declines in state revenue during the pandemic. The University System of Georgia agency budget was reduced by 10.8 percent or $278.6 million for FY21 with no funding increases included in the funding formula for earned enrollment growth ($76.3 million) or for maintenance and healthcare benefits ($11.4 maintenance). The capital budget was not affected for USG institutions, with many construction projects included in the final budget. The budget for Georgia’s other public higher education agency, the Technical College System of Georgia, was also reduced by 10.8 percent ($40.2 million). Georgia’s public financial aid programs are primarily funded through lottery revenues. This revenue is not projected to decline dramatically like tax revenues. Therefore, funds for the HOPE program and other lottery-funded financial aid have not declined.

Updated 07/27/20

As a result of state revenue losses, fiscal year 2020-2021 (FY 21), higher education institutions incurred a state appropriation decrease of $122 million. By utilizing $100 million in federal CARES Act funds received by the state to help mitigate budget cuts, higher education received an overall reduction of $21.7 million. Louisiana’s specialized institutions that do not enroll students (Agriculture Centers and Biomedical Research Center), along with merit- and need-based scholarships as well as institutions with accreditation needs received increases totaling $28 million for FY 21. Fall 2020 enrollment across four-year institutions slightly increased by 2.5 percent, while enrollment across two-year institutions decreased by 10 percent compared to fall 2019 enrollment. The decrease in enrollment along with increased COVID-19 expenses and reduced auxiliary revenue has heightened institutional sensitivity around financial stability. There are no additional reductions planned for higher education for the remainder of FY 21.

Louisiana’s legislative session begins in early April and the Legislature will determine how to allocate an additional $290 million in state revenue for FY 21 and address a $600 million deficit for FY 22. Since higher education in Louisiana does not have a protected funding source, any reductions in state revenue could impact higher education institutions.

Updated 02/09/21

The Mississippi legislature completed work from the 2020 legislative session on July 1. Although revenue declined sharply in April, the state was able to close out FY 2020 without making cuts to state agencies. For FY 2021, the Legislature provided $677 million for public universities, a reduction of 4.7 percent from FY 2020 funding. The Legislature also provided $41.2 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds received by the state from the CARES Act for universities to cover expenses related to COVID-19. Including CARES funds, the total amount appropriated for universities is 2 percent above FY 2020 funding. The Legislature approved a bond bill that included $117,725,000 for capital improvements on university campuses. Student Financial Aid was level funded for FY 2021, which is below the anticipated need to fully-fund all undergraduate grant awards. Additional funds are expected to be appropriated in the 2021 session to fully-fund all grant programs in FY 2021.

Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning reported total expected expenses of $116.8 million related to COVID-19 through December 31, 2020, assuming a full opening for the full semester. Institutional funds received under the CARES Act were applied to cover $69.1 million of expenses, including refunds of housing, meal plan and parking fees. Coronavirus Relief Funds received from the state will be applied to the remaining $47.6 million expenses as allowed under the CARES Act and Treasury guidance.

Updated 07/28/20

In April, the North Carolina legislature met to fund urgent COVID-related spending needs. During the one-week session, the legislature appropriated $45.4 million to assist students and institutions with funding needs to respond to the pandemic.

The legislature met again from May 18-June 28th for a more traditional “short session.” Because the last attempted budget was vetoed, the state is operating under the FY18-19 spending levels. Instead of passing a budget, the legislature passed a number of standalone “must pass” funding bills. The legislature funded nine UNC-related bills without any cuts to the University. Due to the loss of state revenues (originally estimated at $4.2 billion over the biennium), several recurring expenses were funded with non-recurring dollars. The end result was a 2.6 percent increase in funding.

In September, the legislature returned to the capital to spend the remaining CARES Act money. UNC received another $18 million for PPE and testing, tracing, and other health-related eligible expenses. While the University avoided cuts this year, the state’s revenue erosion is creating a structural problem where non-recurring funds are being used for recurring expenses. Future budget shortfalls could create a significant problem in future years.

Updated 10/13/20

The 2020 Oklahoma Legislature appropriated funding in Senate Bill 1922 in the amount of $770,414,742 for higher education operations in FY 21. The total FY 21 state appropriation represents a decrease of $31,655,316, or 3.95 percent, in state funding for higher education. Funding for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program was appropriated in the amount of $70 million for FY 2021. State fiscal support for Oklahoma’s public higher education system was reduced more than $269.5 million, or 25.9 percent, from FY 2009 through FY21, and current state appropriation for higher education is below 2001 levels. According to the most recent State Higher Education Finance Report published by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), per-student higher education funding declined by more than 35.1 percent from 2009 to 2019, after adjusting for inflation, which is the second highest percentage decline in the nation.

Despite deep cuts in state appropriations over the last several years, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education remain committed to initiatives that improve college readiness and increase degree completion in our state. Strategies developed by the State Regents’ Task Force on the Future of Higher Education focus on concurrent enrollment, expanding scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and strengthening adult degree completion efforts.

Oklahoma’s current revenue outlook for the remainder of FY 2021 and into FY 2022 is cautiously optimistic given the impact on the state’s economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic indicators are moving in a more positive direction than had previously been projected due to the effective use of the CARES Act stimulus funding, rapid jobs recovery and the dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccine. State leaders are still faced with having to address structural issues within the FY 2022 budget to balance recurring expenses and filling holes where non-recurring funds have been utilized during the national healthcare emergency.

Current projections indicate that state revenue collections are sufficient to meet the FY 2021 approved budget without the need for midyear cuts, and state leaders are hopeful to start the FY 2022 fiscal year with at least a flat state-funded budget level for the State System of Higher Education. State budget decisions for the coming fiscal year will not be finalized until May 2021.

Updated 02/09/21

As of February 5, 2021, the state of South Carolina is operating under a continuing resolution to maintain state operations at FY 2019-20 levels. The General Assembly returned January 12 to begin a two-year legislative session. The House has begun budget deliberations. However, for fiscal year 2021-22, the impact to higher education is still unknown. While we won’t know how state funding will change, if at all, the latest economic indicators suggest the state will have $336.5 additional dollars in general fund revenue available in FY 2021-22 compared to FY 2020-21 due to the recent strength of the South Carolina economy, which is the primary support for state agencies, including higher education institutions. As of January 12, 2021, South Carolina recovered 85 percent of its jobs that it lost in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s Education Lottery Account funds higher education merit- and need-based financial aid for in-state residents. According to latest projections, the Education Lottery Account has more funds available compared to this time last year, so we do not expect COVID-19 to affect funding for higher education financial aid. On the contrary, Governor McMaster proposed an additional $50 million for need-based grants in his FY 2021-22 budget proposal compared to the FY 2019-20 budget. Regarding capital projects, the General Assembly appropriates funds annually from the Capital Reserve Fund; however, in years in which the state experiences a budget deficit or reduction, those funds must be reallocated to support the state’s general fund.

Updated 02/09/21

The Tennessee Governor and General Assembly passed an initial budget in March 2020 but reconvened in June for a special session after the revenue declines brought about by the pandemic were more obvious. The budget passed in June 2020 held higher education institutions harmless from a potential impoundment of appropriations of up to 12 percent relative to FY20 appropriations—an impoundment all state agencies may incur. Nonetheless, the increase slated for FY21 in the original budget—passed in March 2020—had been removed.

In February 2021, the Governor released his proposed budget for FY22. It included an operating improvement of $36 million to fund productivity increases and $45.4 million for salary increases across universities, community colleges, and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology—a total increase of $81.4 million (7.5 percent) from FY21 appropriations. The budget proposal also included $7.3 million to fund operating increases at the medical universities, $11.5 million for new and existing Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) sites, and $17.1 million for salary increases across all specialized (e.g., medical and agricultural extension) units. The Tennessee Student Assistance Awards will receive an improvement increase of $4.0 million.

Finally, the Governor’s proposed budget included funding for six capital outlay projects totaling over $260 million and recommends $153.3 million for capital maintenance, $50 million of which is identified as recurring funds.

Updated 02/18/21

In light of a decline in state revenues due to COVID-19, in May 2020 Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen directed state agencies and institutions of higher education to submit plans to reduce state appropriated general revenues for the current state fiscal biennium (FY20-21) by 5 percent. Health-related and two-year institutions were exempted from this requirement. For the institutions and agencies of higher education subject to the reductions, this represents an approximate $335 million reduction. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board was required to prepare for a reduction of $75 million including a $57 million reduction to state financial aid programs. However, the financial aid reduction was offset by federal GEER funds allocated for this purpose by the Governor and state legislative leaders. Final decisions regarding any FY20-21 budget reductions will be made by the Texas Legislature in their session convening in January 2021.

Updated 10/14/20

In March 2020, the General Assembly approved approximately $389 million in new funding for higher education for the upcoming biennium. Later in March, the Governor issued a state of emergency due to COVID. As a result, the Governor submitted amendments to the budget that un-allocated nearly all new discretionary spending approved during the 2020 session. These unallotted amounts were approved during the reconvened session. To date, these funds remain unallotted and the Governor has not implemented cuts. The General Assembly is set to convene for a special session on August 18 to receive an updated revenue forecast, discuss the unallotted funds and determine if budget cuts are needed.

Updated 07/23/20

At this time, COVID has not had a significant impact on state-level financing of higher education in West Virginia. At yearend the original $549.5 million was reduced to $537.5 million in the FY 2020 appropriation due to declines in lottery revenues and enrollment was lower in a new financial aid program than what was projected. Otherwise, the FY 2020 higher education budget remained intact throughout the fiscal year.

The FY 2021 budget of $547.2 million had an overall reduction of about $2 million. There were increases totaling about a million spread to some programs and the new financial aid program was reduced by $3 million. To date there have been no budget cuts to the higher education FY 2021 budget and none anticipated.

Updated 02/09/21

In Arkansas, the reduction in state revenue collections has resulted in across the board budget reductions of 5 percent based on the forecast for the state. This reduction applied to institutions of higher ed as well, so current year funding is 5 percent less than the recommended and approved levels. This was also a concern at the end of the last fiscal year, however revenues actually came in above forecast so institutions were able to get their full funding for FY2020.

Updated 10/30/2020

COVID-19 is having a multi-level impact on Illinois’ higher education finances:

FY 20 State Appropriations – There were no state funding cuts or revisions in state appropriations. However, the major declines and delays in state tax revenues have delayed payments to universities and community colleges.

Refunds – There were substantial refunds issued, reducing net revenues. This hit residential campuses much harder than mostly commuter schools and community colleges.

Capital – There was a short, initial stoppage of work on most construction projects, but planning for projects was not impacted. Construction has started again across the state. The hit to funding streams to pay for the capital program will cause some delays in projects over time but so far nothing official, as it relates to our six-year program.

FY 21 Budget – The Governor’s FY 21 budget included a 5 percent increase for universities and community colleges, a $50 million increase in our signature financial aid program, the Monetary Award Program, which was part of a four-year plan to increase funding by 50 percent, and a series of smaller increases. With the COVID-19 shock to state finances, the state instead passed a flat budget for all lines. The state budget also assumes the state will eventually receive $5 billion more in federal relief funds. The Governor has broad authority to impose budget reserves. So far, no reserves have been imposed on public universities or community colleges.

Lost Revenues – Colleges and universities control their own tuition and fee revenues, rather than it being included in state appropriations. There is an expectation of a negative impact on tuition and fees that is uncertain at this point. However, there has been a significant negative impact on ancillary revenues. Unfortunately, these costs generally are not reimbursable through CARES Act or FEMA programs.

Costs – As noted previously, while community colleges and public universities have not had their budgets cut, they have experienced significant increases in costs due to the COVID-19 response. Much of this will be covered by the CARES Act funds or FEMA. However, some of their costs will not be claimable.

Updated 08/03/20

The State of Indiana operates on a biennial budget, with each fiscal year ending June 30th. Fiscal Year 2021 is the second year of the 2019-2021 biennium, and the appropriations for this fiscal year were passed during the 2019 legislative session. As a result of COVID-19, the State placed a 7 percent reserve on all public university operating and line item Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations. There was also a 15 percent reserve placed on state agency general and dedicated fund appropriations, though student financial aid appropriations were exempted from this reserve. As budget development for the upcoming 2021-2023 biennium begins this fall, we are not quite sure what the effect of the pandemic will be on the appropriations for the next biennium. We hope to gain more insight as the budget process continues.

Updated 10/14/20

The primary revenue sources providing FY 2021 general operating funds for Iowa’s public universities are state appropriations and tuition revenues. The 2020 General Assembly cut state appropriations by $8 million. In June 2020, the Board froze (0.0% increase) all tuition rates for the 2020-21 academic year after massive disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic affected all students, faculty, and staff. Fall 2020 enrollment decreased by 4.4% (3,333 students), so tuition revenue decreased as well. Budget impact to Iowa’s public universities (excluding athletics and University of Iowa Hospitals) since the start of the pandemic is an estimated net loss of over $100 million (accounting for increased costs of the response, state budget cuts, tuition revenue losses, and offset by federal CARES, GEER and CRSSA, and identified efficiencies). The Iowa General Assembly has not yet approved a budget for FY 2022. The Board requested $26 million in additional general fund money, no new capital requests, $30 million for deferred maintenance, and $4 million for biosciences research. While budget bills have not yet been introduced at this point of the legislative session, support for these requests seems relatively weak. No new sources of state student financial aid for public university students are anticipated.

Updated 02/08/21

With the start of the Fiscal Year on July 1, Kansas was facing a state budget shortfall of nearly $700 million. The Governor issued a budget allotment totaling $704.3 million, including a cut to Higher Education of $46.2 million, with a portion of that ($26.3 million) offset by GEER funding available within the CARES Act. As we look forward to the next fiscal year, estimates show a shortfall of nearly $1.5 billion which would constitute a nearly 18 percent budget reduction to balance our books. Our higher education system realized a drastic loss of revenue as we closed out our spring semester by transitioning classes online and issuing refunds for housing and dining contracts. As we prepare for the upcoming semester, we have incurred additional costs relating to facility modifications, saliva testing for campuses, and purchasing PPE as we plan to open our campuses safely for everyone.

Updated 07/27/20

The state universities of Michigan have projected a negative financial impact between $1.071 billion to $1.271 billion for the year ending September 30, 2021. In context, a $1.271 billion loss is equal to 17.9 percent of university general funds or 82.7 percent of state appropriations. The state cut FY 20 higher education operations funding by 11 percent, or $169 million, and then backfilled that cut with an equal amount of CARES Act funding. Recovering revenues, sharp state spending cuts early in the pandemic, and a strong FY 20 carryforward balance allowed the state to hold flat FY 21 appropriations for state universities. Continuing one-time revenue is forecasted to carry forward into FY 22, providing temporary relief even if the state budget is structurally imbalanced. Capital outlay requests were not accepted from state universities for consideration for the FY 22 budget.

Updated 02/09/21

The pandemic has not yet impacted state appropriations to higher education in Minnesota–although budget reductions seem likely (the scale is not yet known). Minnesota did receive the following federal funding:

GEER funding – Minnesota’s postsecondary institutions received $5.3 million in GEER funding ($300,000 to Tribal Colleges, $5 million in need-based institutional grants).

CARES funding – Minnesota’s postsecondary institutions received $195 million as part of the CARES Act, $103 million of which was required to be provided directly to students (data as of May 1). Of the $195 million the University of Minnesota received $35.8 million ($18 million was required to be sent directly to students) and Minnesota State received $98.7 million ($52 million was required to be sent directly to students).

Problems institutions and the enterprise are still experiencing:

Before getting into specifics, we wanted to highlight the compounding challenges facing postsecondary institutions this fall. Historically, postsecondary enrollments run countercyclical to the health of the state’s economy – e.g., when the economy is doing well enrollments typically decline and when the economy is in a recession, postsecondary enrollments typically increase as displaced adults return to school to re-tool and students remain in school for a longer period due to the lack of job opportunities.

During a typical recession, appropriations to postsecondary institutions typically decline (often significantly) due to state budget constraints, but public postsecondary institutions are better positioned to deal with the revenue declines because of the increased tuition revenue resulting from higher enrollment levels. As tuition has grown to represent a larger share of public postsecondary institutions’ revenue pie over time, declines in enrollment carry more weight.

The recession resulting from COVID-19 likely will present a perfect storm of financial constraints for postsecondary institutions – potentially placing them in a very precarious situation:

1. It seems likely that Minn State and the UMN will experience some reduction in appropriations in FY21 and in the coming biennium resulting in declining revenue.

Potential decreases are a major concern for our public institutions – especially for community colleges and our regional four-year institutions that are acutely vulnerable. In fact, we’ve heard the desire voiced for all additional funding from the federal government to come in the form of a block grant to the states framed as stabilization funds for campuses serving vulnerable students. The intent would be that these additional funds do not become a replacement for state dollars (potential additional Maintenance of Effort provision?). The heightened concern around potential state budget cuts will make more sense in the context of number three below.

1. As a result of preparing for COVID-19 and re-opening, postsecondary institutions are incurring significant and extraordinary unbudgeted expenses, while trying to fulfill the existing obligations (e.g., auxiliary services) resulting in increased expenditures.
2. Tuition revenue will likely be significantly down due to enrollment declines. OHE’s analysis of FAFSA application data indicates that FAFSA filing for the year is down about 8 percent (data available through July 14) compared to the same point in time last year. Additionally, first-time FAFSA filers are down 12 percent for the year, and Pell-eligible FAFSAs are down 14 percent. It’s clear that the recession brought on by COVID-19 likely will not follow historical enrollment trends. It’s unclear how an institution’s decision to have in-person classes versus online may further impact enrollments. Certainly, ambiguity around safety and whether classes will be on campus cannot be helpful. Overall this will result in declining revenue.

One smaller note – athletics actually plays a significant role in enrollment numbers at some community colleges and regional four-year institutions. At some community college athletes can account for 40 percent of campus housing slots. So the loss of athletics in the fall and beyond could have a significant impact on enrollment at these institutions.

Obviously, increasing spending while experiencing declining revenue is not a sustainable business model. Even if institutions survive this threat, it could take years before they regain their financial footing (not including getting back to pre-COVID-19 levels).

In terms of specifics, funding is needed to:

• offset lost revenue,
• continue to build out technology capacity–online really is a huge expense and although we understand the frustration of students and families being asked to pay the same rate as in-person, in this instance the costs are real. A hybrid model would be the most expensive option.
• continue to develop and move student support & other services into a hybrid or online environment
• ramping up for re-opening – including COVID-related expenses (estimates nationally are around $74 billion for higher ed).

Updated 07/28/20

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a substantial impact on Missouri’s funding for higher education. Prior to the pandemic, Missouri faced challenges, ranking forty-sixth in public higher education support per capita. As a result of COVID-19, at the conclusion of the state’s FY20 (July 2019 – June 2020), public two- and four-year higher education institutions sustained a combined $114 million expenditure restriction. For each institution, this was over a 12 percent reduction in their original FY20 allocation. Since Missouri economic recovery remains unclear, for FY 21, institutions are held at their closing FY20 funding levels through expenditure restrictions enacted by the Governor.

Scholarship programs were also impacted. Funding was reduced for the Higher Education Academic Scholarship (“Bright Flight”) program, Missouri’s merit-based program, by $10 million and Access Missouri, the state’s need based grant, by $2.5 million. This reduction forced the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to reduce scholarship award amounts for both programs. In addition, the state’s A+ Scholarship Program, which provides funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, could also see reduced award amounts.

Other statewide priority areas for higher education and workforce were not immune. They include:

• $19.6 million in FY21 funds for workforce initiative projects to support local workforce training needs was withdrawn.
• Missouri resident FAFSA filings are down by approximately 12,900 (9.9 percent) from 2019. First-time filers are also down 6,600 (17.2 percent) from 2019.
• The department anticipates a 10-15 percent decline in enrollment this fall. This will have negative implications for Missouri’s “Big Goal”—60 percent of Missouri working-age adults holding a degree or certificate by 2025.

While the financial strain on state funding is severe, the Governor has supported higher education through $113.6 million in CARES Act funds to support safely returning to in-person instruction, remote learning, and other institutional needs.

Updated 07/29/20

The State of Nebraska did not reduce appropriations for public institutions or financial aid programs for FY 2019-20. There were no reductions for FY2020-21, either; in fact, the Nebraska Legislature and Governor maintained the 3.5 percent increase previously included in the biennial budget and increased funding by $6.5 million, about 0.8 percent, primarily for financial aid. The FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 state appropriations recommended by the Governor in his biennial budget include increases of 2.7 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively.

Increases in state funding for postsecondary education in Nebraska do not imply that the public colleges and universities have not experienced reductions in overall revenue due to changes in enrollment and reductions in auxiliary activities such as housing, athletics, conferences, etc.; nor do they negate the fact that the institutions have faced extraordinary expenses for equipment, testing, mitigation measures, new technologies, staff training, etc.

Updated 02/09/21

In Ohio, general fund tax revenue shortfalls as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to reduced higher education operating funds in both FY 2020 and FY 2021. In FY 2020, non-debt operating appropriations (general fund) were reduced by 4.8 percent, with instructional subsidies to colleges and universities reduced 3.8 percent and other non-debt appropriations reduced by 8.5 percent. FY 2021 reductions were made final by executive order on January 22, 2021. Instructional subsidies to colleges and universities were reduced by only 0.01 percent. All non-debt operating appropriations ended up with a 3.1 percent reduction.

With regard to financial aid, existing awards for students were preserved going into FY 2021. A scheduled increase in awards for Ohio’s primary needs-based financial aid line, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), for FY 2021, was deferred and awards were held flat at FY 2020 levels. The state Controlling Board voted to provide more than $300 million in COVID relief from federal dollars to colleges and universities, including funding from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund for student mental health support on campus.

On the capital funding side, Ohio saw the passage of Senate Bill 310 late in calendar year 2020, which provided $452 million for colleges and universities, with a particular emphasis on deferred maintenance and basic renovations.

Updated 2/18/21

Due to existing legislation, the South Dakota Regental System is currently required to charge different tuition rates for courses offered face-to-face versus those offered online or in a hybrid model. The differential tuition model also assesses discipline fees on face-to-face courses, but not those offered via distance. The need for social distancing required a significant number of course offerings to be moved to online alternatives. The unintended consequence was a decline in revenue from special discipline fees that would have otherwise been charged but for the change in delivery method.

South Dakota is in a unique situation in that it is not experiencing the major revenue shortfalls and declines in funds available that many other states are. Rather, it is estimated that at least $200M in funds are available for one-time expenditures for state agencies. As a result, the Regental System has not experienced any cuts to higher education funding and a bill is currently being heard in our Legislature to commit $50M to an endowment for needs-based aid.

Updated 2/18/21

The University of Wisconsin System has experienced both significant cost increases and revenue reductions associated with the pandemic. The institutions have incurred a total of $17.4 million in COVID-related costs in FY 20 alone. On the revenue side, our institutions have realized $88 million in lost revenue in FY 20 primarily from refunds from housing, dining, and parking. In addition, the State of Wisconsin has lapsed $370 million from state agencies to help maintain a balanced budget. UW System’s share of this lapse is $85.7 million in state over FY 20-21 means UW System will bear nearly 25 percent of the statewide lapse, despite the fact they receive roughly 6 percent of the state’s annual GPR allocation. It is important to note that these are not base cuts but rather one time claw backs of state funding. With the biennial budget process due to not start until the Governor introduces a budget in February, we won’t know what, if any, budget cuts will be implemented long term. Finally, UW System institutions did receive $48.5 million in CARES act funding, and another $47 million was allocated directly to students. The Governor has allocated an additional $18.9 million in CARES Act funding from his designated allocation to education to help offset FY 20 costs and conversations are continuing about securing additional funding to support testing, tracing, and other efforts on campuses this fall.

Updated 10/20/20

Alaska has confronted a monumentally difficult fiscal climate marked by persistent declines in oil revenue which historically represent the majority of the state’s unrestricted general funds. Since FY12, UGF revenues have dropped nearly 80 percent from $9.5 billion to just $2.0 billion in FY20. As a consequence, the University of Alaska experienced a $51 million (14 percent) reduction in its state operating appropriation between FY14-FY19. Last year, the Governor and the Board of Regents negotiated a 3-year (FY20-22) compact agreement to reduce UA’s budget by an additional $70 million (21 percent), for a cumulative $121 million (34 percent) reduction since FY14.

Even prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the state faced a $300 million revenue decline and $1.5 billion budget deficit coming into the FY21 budget cycle. The regular 90-day session (January – April) was cut short due to COVID-19 transmission concerns within the close quarters of the State Capitol. Prior to their early adjournment, the legislature finalized a FY21 budget that actually increased UA’s operating appropriation by $12.5 million (4.3 percent) above the level approved in the compact between the governor and the board. The governor removed that incremental funding by line-item veto. In his justification, the governor indicated that federal higher-education funding was anticipated via the CARES Act. UA anticipates it will ultimately receive approximately $12.2 million in total CARES funding. The FY22 state budget process won’t begin until December, but early indications are that the governor will request a $20 million UGF operating reduction for UA, consistent with the levels agreed to in the 3-year budget compact, and at present does not reflect any additional COVID related reduction.

The state’s severe fiscal situation has resulted in almost no state funding to the university for assistance with addressing UA’s $1.2 billion deferred maintenance and facilities renewal & repurposing backlog. Since FY16, the state has only appropriated $18 million in capital funds to UA and in the FY21 budget cycle, no capital funds were appropriated.

The state does not make annual appropriations specifically for university research or for other institutional purposes outside of the annual operating appropriation.

The university receives an annual appropriation to deliver career and technical training as a participant in the state’s Technical Vocational Education Program. The program is funded through unemployment insurance pay-roll deductions which fluctuate annually with the state’s economy. COVID related reductions in state employment and wages, combined with higher unemployment insurance payouts, will reduce UA’s program funding by 12.5 percent in FY21, and likely a larger amount in FY22.

The state separately funds two higher-education aid programs – a merit based scholarship and a need-based financial assistance program. In addition, the state annually funds the state’s participation in the WWAMI medical school. Annual funding for all three programs have remained consistent over the last several years at approximately$12 million, $6 million and $3.2 million respectively. COVID is not expected to impact support for these three budget items.

Updated 07/30/20

State revenues in Arizona for FY 2020 and FY 2021 are above forecast. The three public universities were reduced $35 million in aggregate in FY 2021. The Governor’s FY 2022 budget recommendation proposes $35 million for the three public universities for workforce development. The universities requested a total of $160 million for FY 2022 to fund new economy workforce development ($100 million), financial aid ($50 million), and statewide program sites ($10 million). The legislature has taken no actions on state budgets, to date.

Enrollment changes and limited on-campus students as well as increased pandemic costs resulted in significant resource shortfalls. Federal CARES Act funding provides some financial stability but will not fully cover shortfalls.

Updated 02/09/21

This response reflects the impact to the California State University system only, and is not meant to be inclusive of the University of California, the California Community Colleges or the California Student Aid Commission. However, all four are included in the $1.35 billion total ongoing budget reduction below.

Facing a $54.3 billion budget deficit for the 2020-21 fiscal year, the state of California made net- reductions to higher education general fund allocations of nearly $1.35 billion. The California State University budget is made up of three primary sources: state general fund allocations; tuition; and student fee revenue. The CSU general fund allocation was reduced by a net amount of $299 million in the final budget agreement for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Additionally, tuition revenue is expected to be lower than 2019-20 by at least $25 million due to changes in enrollment patterns across the system, unrelated to COVID-19. The loss of tuition and fee revenue due to COVID-19 is not yet known, but expectations are that non-resident and international student enrollment could be down by at least one-third, and resident enrollment patterns are not yet fully understood by campuses.

The final budget agreement indicates that these general fund reductions were a combination of increases planned in the governor’s January budget proposal and reductions required to balance the state budget as a result of COVID-19 impacts. If the federal government provides sufficient funds to states by October 15, 2020 – and if those funds are eligible to be allocated to universities, the CSU could receive one-time state general fund dollars up to $498.1 million which would amount to a net increase of $199 million for 2020-21. However, the $299 million reduction is considered a permanent base budget reduction, and any amount of the federal stimulus funding would be one-time in nature. Similar language impacts all the systems of higher education in California, and other state agencies as well. The state of California and the CSU are working under the assumption that the economic impact of COVID-19 will affect budgets for the next 3-4 years.

Updated 07/29/20

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Colorado legislature addressed a state budget shortfall last spring of $3.5 billion, which represents a shortfall of around 25 percent. In the FY 2020-21 state budget, state funding for public higher education operating budgets was reduced $493 million, or 58 percent from FY 2019- 20. The reduction was preceded in May by Governor Jared Polis’ allocation of $450 million in CARES Act funding to public higher education institutions to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures and provide economic support for the state through educating students. Further, the legislature needed to eliminate a large amount of higher education capital funding that had been in the original budget. The legislature was able to allocate a relatively modest amount of funding for higher education controlled maintenance and capital renewal projects, as well as create a financing program to fund a few higher education capital projects.

The Governor’s budget request for FY 2021-22 submitted to the legislature on November 2, 2020, restores state funding for public institutions’ operating budgets to its FY 2019-20 level, the funding level before the 58 percent reduction in FY 2020-21. The Governor’s request did not provide any state funding for higher education capital projects. The legislature has not made any decisions regarding higher education funding. Although recent state revenue forecasts have improved, the State of Colorado continues to face a structural deficit in its budget due to COVID-19’s impacts on the state economy and state programs and services. It remains to be seen how much funding the legislature will allocate to higher education when it makes its budget decisions during the 2021 legislative session.

Updated 02/09/21

The state Legislature did not adjust the general fund appropriations for the University of Hawaii system during this most recent legislative session. However, from a statewide perspective, FY 2020 ended with a 6.2 percent decline in general fund revenues as compared to FY 19, and FY 21 is currently predicted at a 6.5 percent decline. We are therefore expecting significant reductions in our appropriation levels in the near future.

The Governor's budget request was submitted to the Legislature in mid-December and included a 15 percent reduction to the general fund appropriation to all campuses in the University of Hawaii system, an amount equal to $78.4 million. Enrollment has declined by less than 1 percent as compared to the prior academic year.

Updated 02/09/21

In Idaho, there was a 1 percent general fund reduction for FY 20 announced by the Governor on March 27 which was COVID-19 related. This was in addition to a general 1 percent reduction announced in the fall of 2019 which was not COVID-related. There were a few exemptions.

For FY 21, a 2 percent reduction was planned based on revenue projections and built into budget requests in the Fall of 2019. After the pandemic broke out, the Governor announced in early May 2020 that institutions were required to hold back 5 percent further on a one-time basis. There were no exemptions.

Updated 07/15/20

The primary effect on the Montana University System (MUS) is the loss of revenue from declining enrollments as well as auxiliary services, athletics, and sales/services. All campuses in the MUS are open for face to face instruction including hybrid and online learning as well. The MUS experienced a 5 percent decline in enrollment in this past fall semester and anticipates a similar drop this spring semester. In total, revenue across all funds in the MUS is down $40 million for FY21.

State-level investments in higher education are currently steady, with no declines. Capital projects, research, and financial aid are largely unaffected.

Future funding for higher education in the current state legislature is holding at approximately a 3 percent increase in state appropriation. Funding for capital projects, research, and financial aid remains yet to be determined.

Updated 02/09/21

Summer 2020/FY 2020 and 2021

The state of Nevada budgets on a biennial basis with the current biennium running July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state was facing a $1.2 billion shortfall, approximately 14.65 percent of total general fund appropriations for the biennium. To address the shortfall in FY 2020, the state utilized the $400 million available in the Rainy Day Account and a combination of transfers and one-time budget reductions. In July 2020, the Legislature convened for a special session to make reductions to appropriations for FY 2021 totaling more than $539 million statewide. The FY 2021 higher education general fund budget reductions total $137 million, or 19.8 percent, of FY 2021 higher education appropriations. However, the Board of Regents approved a temporary student surcharge that will result in an estimated $10 million in additional revenue for FY 2021. System institutions also received approximately $30 million in CARES Act institutional relief funds.

Winter 2021/FY 2022 and 2023

The state of Nevada continues to project general fund revenues for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 at a lower level than the original legislatively approved level for July 1, 2019 through June 2021, resulting in the need for continued temporary budget reductions for the upcoming biennium. State agencies and the System of Higher Education were requested to prepare 12 percent budget reductions. The Executive Budget presented to the Legislature in January 2021 includes the 12 percent budget reductions proposed by the System.

Updated 2/18/21

The New Mexico Legislature recently completed a special session to address the state’s budget crisis. Our public higher education institutions (HEIs) saw their FY21 General Fund Instruction and General (I&G) appropriations sanded by 4 percent as were all state agencies. Other lines in the budget bill for HEIs (Athletics, Research and Public Service Projects etc.) were sanded by 6 percent. A planned compensation increase was also repealed. Further, the FY21 HEI appropriations were reduced by about two-thirds of the institutional share of CARES Act funding they received.

Overall, this constituted just under $65 million in reduced state support for higher education for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

Updated 07/28/20

In the current biennium, the Legislature protected state funding for community college and public university operations and need-based financial aid. Funding for public service programs, including research, was cut 5 percent while a recent bond refunding will save the institutions approximately $17 million during FY 2021.

The pandemic is projected to create an estimated direct cost of over $100 million for institutions through spring not including an estimated $350 million in lost or foregone revenue largely due to auxiliary activities. Federal funding will likely address much of the direct costs but not the lost or foregone revenue.

The Governor’s Budget as published in December 2020 for the 2021-23 biennium, which includes FY 2022 and FY 2023, provides no increase to funding for community college and public university operations. Need-based financial aid would increase with inflation. It also included bond funding for $339 million in capital projects, largely for space renewal and improvements. The next economic and revenue forecast, which will shape Legislative budget discussions, will be released at the end of February.

Updated 02/09/21

To date as a System we estimate that we have spent $70 million on COVID-19 expenses ($10 million on services to students, $32 million on Operational Costs, and $25 million on auxiliaries). We estimate $90 million of lost revenue across the System ($30 million in auxiliaries alone).

These numbers do not include athletics as we have not yet captured the loss from canceling the Fall season which we currently estimate at another $62 million ($56 million of which is the University of Utah alone).

The University of Utah Hospital/Health Sciences estimates they have spent an additional $54 million in COVID-related expenses and experienced $165 million of lost patient revenue (not included above).

The System received $49.3 million from CARES to distribute directly to students and $49.3 million for institutional expenses. To date the System has distributed $25 million and has encumbered another $11 million to students from the CARES funds. To date the System has spent $15 million and has encumbered another $17 million for institutional expenses from the CARES funds

State FY 21 budgets were cut in June by 2.5%. Right now, there aren’t any additional cuts anticipated.

Updated 08/25/20

The legislative session ended in early March, just before quarantines were implemented and before the shock to state revenues was felt. While there were calls for a special session of the legislature in June, July, or August, no such session has been called. As such, the impact of COVID-19 hasn’t been felt yet, beyond some vetoes in the 2020 supplemental budget. However, the state budget office required agencies (though not the higher education institutions) to submit details of how they would cut 15 percent from their state-fund budget in FY 2021, and now reductions of 15 percent will be required of agencies in the official budget request process for the 2021-23 biennium. The legislative session begins in January.

Updated 07/21/20

In the State of Wyoming, COVID19 has impacted general fund revenues significantly. General fund revenues are primarily driven by three facets of income; ad valorem on mineral extraction, tourism, and sales and use taxes. Each has been impacted to varying degrees which has left expected revenues for the current two-year biennium forecast to be approximately 30 percent, or $900 million, short of current appropriations. As a first round of general fund appropriation reductions, Community Colleges are taking a ten percent state aid reduction, or approximately $22.8 million, and an additional ten percent is being planned. The first ten percent represents a six percent reduction of total college revenue, the second, when implemented, will represent a 12 percent overall reduction of total college revenue just in state aid. The other sources of funding for the colleges comes from property taxes and tuition and fees. Along with any type of depression in the economy, property values typically decrease, resulting in a decrease in property taxes, of which we anticipate will be approximately another five to six percent reduction in college revenue and according to all projections, enrollment is off by another ten to 15 percent for the fall semester, another direct impact on college revenue. State funded Major Maintenance appropriations are taking the same ten percent reduction, equal to $2.7 million, along with a planned second ten percent, for a total of $5.4 million, forcing many planned projects to the deferred maintenance list. Deferred maintenance costs more to remedy than routine maintenance, costing more than this reduction in the long run.

Updated 07/20/20