An Analysis of State Disinvestment Trends in Higher Education 2011 to 2021

Abstract The coupling of state funding and higher education is complicated. To make sense of the complexity is to grasp that the state's responsibility in dispensing reliable and adequate funding to public colleges and universities within their states is vital to institutions and families with current or aspiring college students. Adequate and reliable funding all but guarantees institutions can execute their operating budgets while tempering tuition costs and allowing students a greater chance at access. Earlier periods of time saw states fully deliver on this obligation; however, as time has lapsed, state governments have become financially uncommitted and dismissive of colleges and universities (Mettler, 2014). In these times, public institutions are challenged to finance general expenses and moderate tuition spikes to satisfy public sentiment and enhance graduation and retention efforts (Li, 2017). The state's recoil on funding higher education has led to a financially unstable climate and bares consequences for institutional finances, students, and parents. Given this, a greater understanding of the financial trends and determinants generating unfavorable outcomes is needed. Therefore, this article is dedicated to revealing nationwide trends at the state level that affect state funding for public institutions from 2011 to 2021.