Oregon’s Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Budget
The HECC is responsible for developing and submitting to Oregon’s Governor a comprehensive and integrated postsecondary education agency budget request aimed to support state goals. Because Oregon state government works on a biennial budget, the Oregon Legislature makes key decisions on higher education funding every other year.
As part of the state budget process, HECC develops an Agency Request Budget (ARB) in close collaboration with Oregon’s public campuses and partners, the first step in a multi-year budget process resulting in Oregon’s biennial investments in the higher education and workforce enterprise. For information on higher education state investments and recommended investments, see:
The state postsecondary education budget includes investments in state funding for state-administered financial aid, Oregon’s 17 community colleges and 9 Local Workforce Investment Boards, Oregon’s 7 public universities and the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), statewide programs, workforce programs, as well as HECC operations and initiatives.
Typical Higher Education Budget Timeline
Budget development:
From January to August prior to a budget cycle year, the HECC considers analysis and presentations on key budget components and develops a recommended budget, over the course of numerous public meetings. Public comment is welcomed.
Commission approval and submission of Agency Request Budget (ARB):
The Commission generally approves the ARB in August for submission to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) on September 1.
Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB):
In December prior to the Legislative Session of a new budget year, the Oregon Governor issues the Governor’s Recommended Budget.
The HECC presents with partners on the Governor’s postsecondary education budget request to the Oregon Legislature during the session, generally between February and June.
Legislatively Adopted Budget (LAB):
Ultimately, funding decisions are made by the end of the session, when the Legislature establishes a Legislatively Adopted Budget for the upcoming budget cycle.