ED449863 JC010182
Title: State Funding for Community Colleges: A 50-State Survey.
Author Affiliation: Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO. Center for Community College Policy.(BBB35984)
Pages: 79
Publication Date: November 2000
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036)
Contract No: R215U990001-00
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage.
Language: English
Document Type: Reports--Research (143)
Geographic Source: U.S.; Colorado
Journal Announcement: RIEJUL2001
This report discusses the findings of a survey of community college and higher education systems leaders on the subject of community college funding. Survey respondents were asked to explain their states' processes and how funds are allocated to individual colleges. Twenty-nine states reported that they use a funding formula to determine appropriations. Twenty-four states reported a single consolidated appropriation for all community colleges. There has been a significant shift in the breakdown of general operating funds for community colleges over the past several decades, with an increase in the percentage of support coming from the state, and a far greater reliance on student tuition and fee revenue. Nevertheless, significant variations exist across the country. For example, Vermont's community college system collects only 14% of its operating funds from the state, compared with North Carolina's system, which collects 75%. Survey respondents also were asked to report the average expenditure for each annualized student FTE (defined as the total education and general budget divided by the total number of FTEs) in each of the higher education sectors. An increase in the numbers of students requiring remediation and the growing emphasis on dual/concurrent enrollment of high school students adds to community colleges' need for additional resources. Contains 30 tables and charts. (JA)
Descriptors: *Community Colleges; *Educational Finance; *Financial Support; Government School Relationship; School Administration; State Aid; *State Government; *State Schools; Two Year Colleges
