Jan 12, 2023

Governor recommends 2.5% funding increase for UNI

On Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, Gov. Kim Reynolds presented the “Condition of the State” address to a joint session of the Iowa General Assembly. She also unveiled her budget proposal, which is the first step in creating the state's budget. 

“We look forward to working with Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Governor Gregg and members of the Iowa Legislature during this year's session to continue our commitment to ensuring a reasonable, predictable cost of education for Iowa families, while also providing the high-quality education our students need to be successful professionals and leaders in Iowa's changing economy,” said UNI President Mark A. Nook.

One of the most distinctive benefits about UNI is that our graduates come from Iowa and stay in Iowa after they graduate. 

  • 92% of UNI undergraduates come from Iowa representing all 99 counties

  • 86% of UNI graduates from Iowa stay in the state

  • 55% of graduates from outside of Iowa stay in the state

  • In 2022, 91% of all graduates earned degrees that align with Iowa's most in-demand jobs requiring a bachelor's degree, as defined by Iowa Workforce Development

Winter Campanile scene

Gov. Reynolds is recommending a $2.5 million increase to UNI's operating budget; we have requested an $8 million increase. Half of our request will allow us to continue our efforts to hold our tuition as close to flat as possible for the 2023-2024 academic year as well as realign UNI's sticker price relative to Iowa's two public research schools. The other half will be used to encourage more students to enter the teaching profession through scholarships and paid student internships.

Gov. Reynolds also included our $400,000 increase to expand the growing Family Business Center and UNI’s Institute for Decision Making as they play a critical role in supporting Iowa’s family-owned businesses and economic development efforts. All other UNI budget line items are recommended at status quo levels. 

The governor did not recommend funding our $2 million request for our partnership with Iowa community colleges, which provides student financial scholarships and limited operating expenses for adult and place-bound Iowans to be able to complete their four-year degree at a community college. The governor also did not provide the requested $1 million for expanded mental health services for all three Regent universities.

With the budget now moving to the legislature, UNI will continue to advocate for its requested funds, emphasizing its importance to providing affordable, high-quality education and training the next generation of Iowa workers who will continue to build a vibrant economy in the state.

Additional information can be found in Gov. Reynolds’ budget brief and budget book.