Losing by Degrees: Rising Costs and Public Disinvestment in Higher Education

Publication Date: July 2009

Publisher: Economic Opportunity Institute

Author(s): John Burbank; Gabe Nishimura; Marilyn Watkins

Research Area: Education; Government

Keywords: higher education; financial aid; tuition; college

Type: Report

Coverage: Washington

Abstract:

Washington State is falling behind in the effort to build a world class education system as continued cuts in state funding and the corresponding tuition hikes mean fewer, more expensive slots at public universities and colleges for Washington families. With public funding for state higher education at a 30-year low, Losing by Degrees calls on state leaders to identify new sources of public revenue to increase public investment in higher education in order to build a more competitive economy, and warns of lost economic security and decreased business competitiveness if no action is taken.