09 May ND University System students to benefit from efforts of the 68th Legislative Assembly
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota University System (NDUS) has its 2023-25 biennium budget after the 68th Legislative Assembly passed and the governor signed HB1003, allocating higher education $792 million from the state’s general fund for new investments and ongoing operations. The appropriation includes additional funding for employee raises, workforce programs, in-demand career areas, and additional financial aid for students. The budget aligns with the State Board of Higher Education’s (SBHE) budget request submitted prior to the legislative session.
The general fund dollars account for approximately 28% of the NDUS’ total $2.8 billion operational budget. The remaining budget is comprised of tuition, auxiliary revenues, state and federal grants, and other local revenue funds.
“We appreciate the legislators who worked to pass an overall balanced budget for the state. We thank them for their efforts and their service to North Dakota and their attention to student and workforce needs. Higher education invests in knowledge for the whole state. Higher education directly influences students as well as the workplaces that hire them,” said SBHE Chair Casey Ryan.
“Our North Dakota institutions are adjusting to rapidly changing environments, many of which affect North Dakota’s workforce and people. The legislature has given us the ability to adapt to provide stability for our students and the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. We appreciate the governor and legislators for supporting our students and campuses across the state,” said NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott.
The economic impact of the NDUS on the state is an estimated $6.75 billion for fiscal years 21-22, highlighting the overall benefit to the state for the investment in higher education. “The University system and its 11 institutions provide the state with an educated workforce ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing work environment, provide outreach and continuing education programs for the state’s residents and businesses, and create and support employment opportunities through research, extension, and teaching activities, all of which provide economic benefits to enhance local and state economies,” said Hagerott.
The 2023-25 budget will have a direct impact on higher education institutions, employees, workforce initiatives, students and research. Some of the key successes during the legislative session that will help benefit North Dakota’s higher education system include:
Legislative focus on students and student affordability:
- Provides a tuition freeze for the next two years by funding tuition portion of compensation increase for faculty and staff.
- Student financial aid: provides $16.3 million increase in student financial aid.
- $20 million in Challenge Grant program, primarily used for scholarships. Requires two to one match of private donations.
Higher Education stability to institutions is legislatively supported through a 6% salary increase in year one of the biennium followed by a 4% increase in year two and the state covering the health insurance cost increases for faculty and staff. Support provided for the higher education funding formula as well as additional one-time support to institutions for:
- Adjustments for institutions dealing with lower enrollment and staffing challenges.
- Inflationary costs on ARPA funded capital projects.
Additional legislative support:
- $234 million in capital projects.
- $9 million for the UND National Security Initiative.
- $5.5 million Economic Diversification Research funding.
- $0.4 million for two Forest Service initiatives.