Washington State allocates $484 million for College Grant amid rising tuition concerns

The House Postsecondary Education and Workforce meeting on January 17, 2025, focused on critical funding discussions for Washington's higher education system, highlighting significant financial allocations and trends affecting community and technical colleges, as well as four-year institutions.

One of the primary topics was the funding for nurse educators and faculty salaries at community and technical colleges (CTCs), which saw increases of $20 million in fiscal year 2020 and $40 million in 2021. The meeting also addressed the Washington State University Medical School's expansion and the Working Connections Childcare program for student parents, which is projected to receive approximately $375 million for the biennium.

The committee reviewed the funding structure for the Washington College Grant, noting that the general fund allocation remains static at $276 million per year. However, adjustments will be made based on updated caseloads, with a supplemental budget including $484 million for the grant in fiscal year 2024. The discussion revealed a decrease in the maximum award for the College Bound program, which is now aligned with the Washington College Grant, potentially impacting funding distribution.

The meeting also examined trends in state funding per full-time equivalent (FTE) student across institutions. Evergreen State College experienced a significant increase in state funding per FTE despite a drop in enrollment, while Western Washington University reported the lowest funding per FTE. Overall, funding for public four-year institutions has risen, with a notable shift in the funding split between state support and tuition, moving from a 65-35 ratio in 2015 to approximately 50-50 in recent years.

As the meeting concluded, representatives raised questions about future funding expectations, particularly regarding the anticipated 80-20 split of state funds and tuition for two-year colleges. The committee emphasized the interconnectedness of state appropriations, tuition, and financial aid, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to higher education funding in Washington.