Higher Education Today
State legislatures can reverse higher education’s illiberal takeover, says Manhattan Institute. State lawmakers shape national higher education debate. Key trends from 2023-24 legislative patterns reveal student support, institutional mission, and workforce development as focus areas. Student support policies reflect nontraditional enrollees’ needs. Institutional mission influenced by Supreme Court’s diversity in admissions decision. Workforce development investments target high-demand fields. State legislatures face pressure to support colleges and universities fulfilling their missions. State policy decisions and judicial assessments continue to gain influence. Shared community, economic growth, and education access remain strong alignments between state governments and higher education.