College of Western Idaho tells JFAC rapid enrollment is straining capacity; EWA cap limits state adjustment

At a Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee hearing, College of Western Idaho President Gordon Jones and Legislative Services Office analyst Kevin Campbell outlined rapid enrollment growth, program wait lists and how a State Board 3% cap on the enrollment workload adjustment (EWA) has limited the college's state funding increase.

Jones told legislators that CWI's enrollment has grown substantially since the college opened; the Legislative Services Office presentation said CWI had nearly 22,000 for‑credit students and more than 30,000 students served in the 2023–24 academic year, while Jones referred to ‘‘over 31,000 individuals’’ who use CWI services. Campbell told the committee the FY 2024 state appropriation to CWI was $20,816,700 and that the college typically spends 100% of its state appropriation.

The nut of the discussion centered on capacity and the EWA. Campbell outlined five‑year budget history and enhancements, noting average annual base budget growth of…