DENVER- Dec. 20, 2024: The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) is seeking public input on the state’s funding allocation formula for higher education. The funding formula is an integral part of Colorado’s commitment to postsecondary education and aims to increase the number of Coloradans earning a high-quality postsecondary credential. The CCHE survey on the Higher Education Funding Formula is open through Jan. 17, 2025, to provide feedback on the new formula.
“Garnering feedback and insights from our communities is vitally important to the future of how we allocate funding to our higher education institutions,” said Jennifer Walmer, chair of CCHE. “I encourage Coloradans to use their voice to ensure that funding aligns with priorities that enhance educational quality and access for all students."
State law directs the Commission to review the funding formula every five years. This funding formula review is due by November 1, 2026. As part of this formula review process, CCHE may convene one or more meetings with interested parties to discuss the existing funding model and to learn of issues raised by interested parties. Additionally, the Commission may engage directly with higher education institutions as part of this review and analysis of the current performance funding model. The Commission voted to begin reviewing the current funding formula at its September 5, 2024, meeting.
House Bill 20-1366 created the current funding formula. The goals of the current funding formula are to:
Increase the number of Coloradans earning a high-quality postsecondary credential;
Increase the rate of participation of low-income and currently underrepresented minority students;
Incentivize state institutions of higher education to achieve the policy goals adopted by the General Assembly and Colorado Commission on Higher Education Strategic Plan;
Ensure tax dollars are being used to achieve state goals, higher education must be funded in a manner that is transparent and understandable; and
Establish performance metrics that are consistent, predictable, and focused on improved performance.
In January 2023, CCHE released a statewide plan to advance the economic mobility of Colorado's learners and earners by aligning postsecondary talent development with industry and statewide needs. Building Skills in an Evolving Economy sets a bold vision to increase the number of learners served by the state’s postsecondary ecosystem. The plan prioritizes educational pathways that are economically viable –those that lower costs for students, invest in proven learner support programs, and increase collaboration with employers.
For more information, visit the Colorado Higher Education Funding Formula webpage.
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