AASCU Releases Top 10 Higher Education State Policy Issues for 2019

February 4, 2019

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Title: Top 10 Higher Education State Policy Issues for 2019

Author: AASCU Government Relations and Policy Analysis Division

Source: American Association of State Colleges and Universities

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has released its top 10 higher education state policy issues for 2019. The brief predicts a more optimistic state policy landscape in 2019 due to factors such as strong state revenue forecasts, but also notes higher education also may face intense competition for state resources and the prospect of an economic downturn.

Of these anticipated issues, the most fundamental to public higher education will be state budgets. Recent reports have signaled improved state fiscal conditions and the best overall state revenue projections since the 2008 recession.

As the number one priority, AASCU highlights the return of budget caps, increased economic anxiety, and government gridlock as issues that could greatly affect state colleges and universities. In addition, the demand on state financial aid programs continues to grow as college affordability becomes a hot ticket item for state and federal legislators alike.

Other issues discussed in the brief include tuition hikes, food insecurity, and homelessness—which have all been brought to the forefront during national discussions on free college and demographic shifts in enrollment—as well as campus safety, security, and economic job prospects for students.

To read more about these projected policy matters, view the full report here.

—Jinann Bitar

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