Trends in Higher Education: Student Access

Jan 23, 2024 - The six briefs within the series each contains a set of infographics highlighting trends over time. In compiling the series, we draw primarily from data sources at the federal, state, and segment levels, as these sources tend to contain the most relevant, accurate, and complete data available on higher education policy and fiscal issues.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4828

The 2026-27 Budget: University of California

Feb 26, 2026 - We then highlight notable spending trends over the past decade. Next, we describe the Governor ’s proposals relating to UC ’s base budget, assess those proposals, and make associated  recommendations.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5143

Assessment of CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025

Dec 10, 2025 - We recommend requiring the CSU Chancellor ’s Office to compile these tables into one consolidated report that highlights key takeaways, including identifying which activities it found most cost ‑effective in meeting each of the program ’s objectives.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5099

The 2022-23 Budget: CCC Chancellor's Office Staffing

Mar 29, 2022 - Figure  5 highlights the new workload stemming from the legislation. In particular, the new positions would support the Chancellor ’s Office in chairing the first two years of a statutorily required transfer ‑reform implementation committee, as well as provide assistance to colleges on complying with the legislation.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4579

UC Merced at 20: Campus Developments and Key State-Level Takeaways

Nov 7, 2024 - UC Merced Administrators Highlight Some Recruitment Issues. UC Merced administrators indicate the campus has both recruitment advantages and challenges. One recruitment advantage is the Merced region ’s relatively affordable housing rates.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4937

The 2023-24 Budget: Fiscal Outlook for Schools and Community Colleges

Nov 16, 2022 - Our  estimate of the funding available in 2023 ‑24 highlights the importance of preparing for economic downturns during stronger fiscal times. The  budget adopted by the Legislature in June  contained two major components that improved budget resiliency.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4648

The 2023-24 Budget: Higher Education Overview

Jan 31, 2023 - We end by highlighting major higher education initiatives for which the Legislature might wish to conduct oversight. Improve Key Components of Spending Plan Link University Funding Increases More Tightly With Spending Priorities.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4664

Overview of Mental Health Services for College Students

Dec 10, 2021 - Next, we highlight recent developments in student mental health since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We conclude by assessing the data currently available on student mental health issues and making an associated recommendation.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4481

The 2021-22 Budget: UC Programs in Medical Education

Feb 26, 2021 - The Governor ’s proposal highlights several longstanding health care issues in California. Research suggests that California could face a shortage of physicians in the future, particularly for primary care physicians.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4389

The 2022-23 Budget: California State University

Feb 15, 2022 - (In the “Base Increase ” section of this brief, we highlight the salary pressures CSU is facing, particularly in light of high inflation.) Another option would be to use the $12  million for other existing student support programs at CSU, including the Graduation Initiative, which is intended to improve student outcomes and close equity gaps across all student groups.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4537