Madison, Wisconsin – A new data dashboard created by the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) illustrates how strategic investments in higher education increase accessibility and affordability for students attending Wisconsin’s private colleges.
This dashboard, available at https://www.waicu.org/waicu-facts, shares information about WAICU; student opportunities and success at Wisconsin’s private colleges; WAICU-member benefit to taxpayers; and the economic impact of Wisconsin private colleges.
The dashboard also highlights examples of how Wisconsin’s private colleges support the state’s workforce development. “WAICU members produce more than 13,400 graduates annually, making up 24 percent of all bachelor’s degrees and 34 percent of all advanced degrees in the state, all at no operating expense to taxpayers,” said Senior Vice President for Advocacy Rebecca Larson.
Wisconsin currently faces employment shortages in nearly every occupation including engineers, physicians, nurses, and teachers. “For Wisconsin to remain competitive, Strategic public-private investments like Wisconsin Grants for students attending private, non-profit institutions will grow Wisconsin’s workforce and enhance the state’s economic vitality.
The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) is asking the legislature for an additional $25.5 million appropriation increase to the Wisconsin Grant program for Wisconsin’s low- to low-middle income students. “Providing financial support in the form of grants will encourage more students to attend college,” explained WAICU President Eric W. Fulcomer.
“In addition, more Wisconsin residents will remain in the state to receive their college degree. Many of these students remain in the state after graduation to fill high-demand jobs. Our graduates are valuable members of the workforce and help propel our state forward,” added Fulcomer.
Other Midwestern states recognize this important investment. Wisconsin is 28th in the nation in terms of the average need-based, state grant size. Within the Midwest, only Michigan awards less state, need-based aid per student. Additionally, Iowa’s average state grant is nearly three times that of Wisconsin, while Indiana is more than double.
The current Wisconsin grant biennial appropriation for students attending private, nonprofit institutions is just over $57 million. “This dollar amount represents just 1.52 percent of all Wisconsin higher education funding,” said Fulcomer. “An investment in students who attend nonprofit colleges, through the Wisconsin Grant, benefits everyone,” explained Fulcomer. “Students achieve an education they might not otherwise afford, and the state receives additional income tax revenue and graduates help meet Wisconsin’s workforce needs.”
Currently, more than 8,000 students at WAICU institutions receive a Wisconsin Grant every year. “We estimate that the increased appropriation for the Wisconsin Grant, along with the modernization of the grant formula, would add an additional 2,000 students,” said Larson. Increased funds also would accommodate recent federal changes that will increase student award eligibility and support our efforts to treat independent and dependent students equitably as they are in other sectors of higher education, Larson explained.
The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) is the official organization of Wisconsin’s 22 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. WAICU is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students and is nationally recognized for its innovative programming to control college costs and for its partnerships with employers to provide skilled graduates. More information is available at www.waicu.org.
