Increased demand for college-educated workforce highlighted in new report on the changing U.S. economy
A common, rather pessimistic argument on the state of today’s economy is that it puts more and more college-educated, skilled workers into dead-end service jobs for which they are overqualified. This simply isn’t true. The shift in America’s workforce has not been from factories to fast-food outlets. Rather, employment growth has come in offices and […]
Faculty and staff salaries at Utah’s public colleges are consistently below national peers
It is well-known that the academic labor market is a national market, and candidates are willing and able to move across the country for an open position. Unfortunately, salaries for faculty and staff at institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) are significantly less than those at peer institutions across the country. Not only does this […]
The impact of a 2% budget cut
As part of the one-time budget reduction made by the Executive Appropriations Committee before the 2015 legislative session, all appropriations subcommittees were requested to identify a 2% cut to existing base budgets, including higher education. The stated intent is to “stress test” areas of the state budget to help inform budget priorities for the upcoming […]
USHE response to 2014 legislative intent language
In 2014, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and subsequently the State Legislature as a whole, adopted intent language for the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to report on completion, transfer, job placement, cost and the transition from developmental to college-level math. Highlights from the report include: Graduation rates Completing a bachelor’s degree in 100% of time […]
Consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your UESP account
Want to pocket more money for college? While preparing your 2014 Utah state income tax returns, consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) account. Your refund will be applied equally among accounts owned by you and, if you file taxes jointly, your spouse. On the last page […]
Research on Capitol Hill event showcases undergraduate research at UU, USU
Utah’s Research on Capitol Hill is an annual celebration of undergraduate research, and was held January 29, 2015, in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. It features undergraduate research projects from students studying at the University of Utah and Utah State University. Students of all disciplines share the results of their investigations with legislators. The event […]
Utah college students lag nation in taking advantage of available financial aid opportunities
Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important thing a student can do to get assistance paying for college. By completing this application, students find out how much financial aid they qualify for, including Pell Grants. Also, students usually can’t qualify for need-based or merit-based aid without a FAFSA on […]
USHE institutions set goals to increase college completion rates
Increasing the number of students who successfully complete college with a degree or certificate has been a top priority of the Board of Regents for nearly a decade, and it was reaffirmed with the Board’s new strategic objectives approved last week. In July 2013, the Board passed a college completion resolution, identifying five initiatives proven […]
New UESP features for 2015 add flexibility
Account owners benefit from higher Utah state income tax benefit, now may change account investment option twice per year for the same beneficiary. The Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP), Utah’s official and only 529 college savings plan, announced program improvements that benefit Utahns whose New Year’s resolutions include investing more for college in 2015. Starting this year, Utah […]
Nearly 40% of USHE students received Pell Grant support in 2013-14
Pell Grants: An Overview The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post-graduate students to promote access to higher education. A Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not need to be repaid, and can be used at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions nationwide. Grant amounts are dependent […]
