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Friday Follow Up
A new survey on Regional Public Universities - differing definitions and an interesting note on modality
Phil Hill
April 11, 2025
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Today’s update will focus on one report since so much of the news is getting covered in ASU+GSV analysis. And we were too busy to do separate research given our healthy living in San Diego.
Chronicle Report on Regional Public Universities (RPUs)
Recently I looked at data on RPUs, as summarized by ChatGPT.
The On EdTech newsletter provides a detailed analysis of Regional Public Universities (RPUs), emphasizing their critical role in serving diverse and underrepresented student populations. Drawing on data from the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC), Hill highlights that RPUs often operate with fewer resources, receiving $1,091 less per full-time equivalent student in state appropriations compared to non-RPUs. Additionally, federal funding disparities are significant, with RPUs averaging $9 million in grants and contracts versus $208 million for non-RPUs. These financial constraints, coupled with demographic shifts leading to an "enrollment cliff," pose challenges for RPUs that rely heavily on tuition revenue. Despite these hurdles, RPUs remain essential to their regions, acting as economic and educational anchors. Hill's analysis underscores the need for increased attention and support for these institutions to ensure they continue to fulfill their mission effectively.
The Chronicle of Higher Education just put out a survey-based report on RPUs, with the OPM provider Risepoint being the primary sponsor. The Chronicle analysis referenced our post, which I appreciate - we need to be building up the general knowledge base on this important subject.
