Louisiana universities underfunded by $850 million, higher ed leaders say

Louisiana universities underfunded by $850 million, higher ed leaders say

A fleur de lis sculpture is the centerpiece of the quadrangle fountain at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)After three consecutive years of standstill state budgets, Louisiana’s public colleges and universities are struggling with the effects of inflation and bloating athletics budgets.  Gov. Jeff Landry has boasted of not growing the state budget since he took office in 2024. But while funding has gen…

Louisiana colleges say they're underfunded by $850 million

Louisiana’s public colleges and universities are facing a deepening financial strain, with higher education leaders estimating the system is underfunded by roughly $850 million when adjusted for inflation over the past decade, Louisiana Illuminator writes.  Despite steady state budgets in recent years, rising costs and shifting revenue burdens have effectively translated into cuts. Lawmakers heard that campuses are increasingly reliant on tuitio…

Louisiana universities underfunded by $850 million

The state’s higher ed budget hasn’t kept up with inflation, university leaders say. Many schools, like UL Lafayette, face severe deficits.