Policymaker’s Toolkit

Higher education across the nation is under scrutiny. Publicly funded colleges and universities are particularly vulnerable, as they represent a massive investment by state taxpayers. Many concerned Americans question the return on this investment, and public confidence in higher education has fallen every year since 2015. The diversity of institutions means that no single policy can apply everywhere. State legislators must work together with trustees and local stakeholders to assess the issues their colleges and universities are facing.

This guide outlines steps that state policymakers can take to strengthen fiscal accountability, support trustees, and generate better outcomes for students, taxpayers, and the nation.