Both four-year public universities and community colleges would see a 2% increase in funding under the Ohio House budget proposal.
The boost – smaller than the current rate of inflation – would be added to the funding formula known as the State Share of Instruction (SSI). The bulk of taxpayer money that Ohio’s public higher education institutions receive is determined through the formula. Gov. Mike DeWine’s budget proposal keeps the funding formula flat.
Four-year universities could also be eligible for additional money through the formula based on performance benchmarks.
One of those new pots of money would reward schools for having high numbers of students from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds. Another would give extra money to universities that offer three-year bachelor’s degrees. Also, universities would get more funds for expanding college course options to high school students through the state’s College Credit Plus program.
Ohio’s financial support for universities and colleges has long trailed the average level of support other states give to higher education. Columbus lawmakers also recently passed a law that overhauls higher education and requires colleges to add programs and resources. Critics say this adds to schools’ financial burden.
Lawmakers in the Ohio House are expected to debate the bill before sending it to the Ohio Senate, which can make changes. The two chambers will have to work out any differences before signing off and sending it to the governor.
Ohio college lobbying groups pleased with calls to boost SSI
Some of the state’s higher education leaders were pleased with the slight increase.
As Signal Cleveland reported last month, the lobbying group backing the state’s four-year universities had been advocating for at least a 2% bump.
In a new statement, the Inter-University Council thanked lawmakers for making a “strategic investment” in the state’s future, adding that increase “will ensure that Ohio’s public universities remain affordable, high-quality, and accessible to all students.”
The group representing the state’s community colleges said in a press release that it was happy.
“These leaders clearly recognize the vital role community colleges play in preparing Ohioans for today’s in-demand careers and in building the skilled workforce our state needs to compete and grow,” said Ohio Association of Community Colleges’ President and CEO Avi Zaffini.
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