New Hampshire's Higher Education Funding Crisis: A Nation-Worst Reality

New Hampshire, a state often lauded for its independent spirit and natural beauty, now holds a less desirable distinction: it ranks dead last in the nation for state funding of higher education. This alarming revelation comes from a comprehensive report by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), painting a stark picture of chronic underinvestment in the Granite State’s future.

The SHEEO report pulls no punches, revealing that New Hampshire allocates a mere $1,623 in state support per full-time equivalent student, a figure drastically dwarfed by the national average of $8,284 (all figures adjusted to 2017 dollars for consistent comparison).

Shockingly, New Hampshire stands alone as the only state providing less than $2,000 per student, underscoring a profound and widening gap between its commitment to higher education and that of the rest of the country.

This abysmal ranking isn't a new phenomenon; it's the result of a persistent trend over many years where state appropriations for public colleges and universities have dwindled.

As state support recedes, the financial burden inevitably shifts to the students themselves. This translates directly into some of the highest tuition rates nationwide at institutions like the University of New Hampshire and the state's community colleges, forcing students and their families to shoulder an increasingly crippling load of debt.

The repercussions extend far beyond individual student loan statements.

A robust, affordable public higher education system is a cornerstone of economic development, fostering innovation, nurturing a skilled workforce, and attracting businesses. By neglecting this vital sector, New Hampshire risks undermining its long-term economic vitality, potentially leading to a brain drain as talented graduates seek more favorable environments elsewhere.

Advocates, including university leaders, students, and economic development experts, are sounding the alarm.

They contend that increased state investment in higher education is not merely an expenditure but a crucial investment in New Hampshire’s future prosperity and competitiveness. It's a call to action for policymakers to prioritize education funding, recognizing its pivotal role in the state's social and economic fabric.

The message is clear: without a significant re-evaluation of its funding priorities, New Hampshire's position at the bottom of the higher education funding barrel will continue to impose severe consequences, limiting opportunities for its young people and stifling the state's potential for growth.