RSS feed of recent higher education budget and policy publications from the Legislative Analyst's Office.https://lao.ca.govHigher EducationThis post assesses the Governor’s proposal to provide a General Fund appropriation for the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, a regulatory agency within the Department of Consumer Affairs. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5169https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5169Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationThis post assesses the Governor’s budget proposal to retain the California Education Learning Lab. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5171https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5171Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationThis post assesses the Governor’s proposals to fund the second batch of community college capital outlay projects under Proposition 2, an education facilities bond. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5159https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5159Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationThis brief analyzes the Governor’s budget proposals for the California Community Colleges. It covers apportionments, enrollment growth, Calbright College, and various other proposals. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5150https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5150Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationIn this brief, we review core funding and spending trends at the University of California (UC), then analyze the Governor’s budget proposals relating to UC’s core operations and enrollment. We also provide an overview of federal funding for UC and discuss the implications of recent federal developments.https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5143https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5143Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationIn this brief, we review key funding and spending trends at the California State University (CSU), then analyze the Governor’s budget proposals relating to CSU’s core operations and enrollment.https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5142https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5142Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationIn this brief, we provide an update on Cal Grant cost estimates and discuss recent program trends leading to higher Cal Grant spending. We then analyze the Governor’s budget proposal to reduce Middle Class Scholarship award coverage and provide associated recommendations. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5127https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5127Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationIn this brief, we provide an overview and initial analysis of the Governor’s higher education budget plan. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5112https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5112Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationThis report focuses on the California State University’s (CSU’s) Graduation Initiative 2025 (GI 2025). This initiative aimed to increase graduation rates and close gaps in graduation rates among particular student groups by 2025. In the report, we provide background on GI 2025, then discuss associated funding and activities. Next, we analyze the outcomes and assess the benefits and drawbacks of GI 2025. Lastly, we make recommendations for the Legislature to consider as it contemplates its involvement in CSU’s next graduation initiative. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5099https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5099Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTHigher EducationThis report focuses on the Strong Workforce Program, which the state created to increase the availability and quality of career technical education at the California Community Colleges. We provide background on the program, assess its implementation and outcomes, and raise a few issues to consider relating to coordination of workforce development programs more broadly.https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5098https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5098Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT