An additional investment of $150M in the Public University Support Fund (PUSF) for a total of $1050M will help OSU and other Oregon public universities cover costs, shield students from significant tuition increases and help maintain academic advisors and other wrap-around services for students. Solid base funding provides the foundation for Oregon’s public higher education. It is critical to prioritize resources for the state’s entire public education system. A closer look at higher education shows Oregon trails the nation significantly. At a time when Oregon is prioritizing workforce development, the point must be made that Oregon is a net importer of college- educated talent and is not investing in our own students. This accounts for an 8.67% CSL request and an additional $50M in equity funding across the seven institutions.
The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) provides direct assistance to Oregon’s low-income students, ensuring all Oregonians, no matter their socioeconomic background, have the ability to access and afford higher education. In comparison to Washington and California, Oregon continues to underfund student aid. However, potential recommendations from the Legislative Task Force on Underrepresented Students and a draft policy option package from the HECC could reform financial aid by broadening the Oregon Promise to four-year institutions. A university request of $250M during the 2023 legislative session will protect students and put them on a path to prosperity.
