Across the nation, state funding for higher education has declined because of a slow recovery from the recession and the end of federal stimulus money.
An annual study released Monday shows just how severe the reductions have been: some $6 billion, or nearly 8 percent, over the past year. That figure takes into account the loss of funds provided in recent years through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Total state support for higher education declined in 41 states over the past year. That has meant larger class sizes and fewer course offerings at many universities.
The Grapevine survey was conducted by the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University and the State Higher Education Executive Officers.
