In 2012, voters listed higher education as the 6th most important priority in the election year. This policy brief addresses the increase in enrollment in Utah’s colleges and universities, the decrease in state funding for higher education, and the increase in tuition throughout USHE institutions. It also discusses the issue of student loan debt, which is currently at a record high in the U.S. Finally, it examines the goal that by 2020, 66% of Utah’s adult population will have a post-secondary degree or certificate, and the challenges this will pose to Utah’s higher education system.

As part of our Utah Priorities Project, this month Utah Foundation releases a series of policy briefs of each of the top ten issues identified in our 2012 Utah Priorities Survey. These briefs provide important information and policy analysis to ensure candidates and voters are well informed of the facts and trends related to each of the top ten issues.

Read this Utah Priorities Brief

Also see Utah Foundation research from recent years on higher education:

• Recovering From the Great Recession: Are We There Yet? (May 2012)
• Preparing Utah’s Workforce for 21st Century Jobs (March 2010)
• Educational Attainment: Utah Falling Behind National Trends (Oct. 2009)