Hunter
09/12/22
Citing increasing first-year enrollment numbers and the rising cost of doing business due to inflation, the University of Iowa, Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa are asking for an increase in appropriations for the next fiscal year of $32 million.
The schools cite the rise on consumer prices of about 9% over the year ending June 2022 as the major reason for the request. The request document states that should the regents just approve new budgets based on the 5% inflation rate, the universities would get another $30 million next year. However, they’re asking for an additional $2 million due to the rising costs of all goods and services.
The University of Iowa says they want to invest some of the increase in programs to attract first-generation students. Over the last five years, one in five UI undergrads were the first in their family to go to college, many from rural areas of the state. They want to expand their “First Gen Hawks” program that was launched two years ago.
With the increase requested and additional proposed increases programs like agricultural research, state schools for the deaf and blind, economic development, and Iowa’s flood warning system, the higher education budget would jump from $594.9 million to $630 million.
The Regents will be considering the appropriations increase when they meet this Wednesday and Thursday in Cedar Falls.
