The Board of Regents approved the FY 2025-2026 budget request for public postsecondary education during Wednesday’s October Board meeting on the campus of Northwestern State University.
While full funding for higher education would require a State General Fund increase of $765M, the FY 20252026 budget request, developed in consultation with the systems, is $142.3M. This includes targeted funding to support critical education, training, and research needs along with workforce alignment, $20M for statewide dual enrollment, funding to double Louisiana’s successful adult financial aid opportunity, the M.J. Foster Promise Program ($10.5M), and $10M in funding to support Louisiana’s pursuit of the National Cancer Institute designation. The budget submission also includes information regarding a potential state cut to higher education, given the current uncertainty of the state’s fiscal status.
“We know that major funding cuts to higher education will result in fewer graduates, potential layoffs, and less talent development,” said Board Chair Misti Cordell. “As we submit our budget request to meet the needs of our students and the institutions that educate and support them, we look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature, and regional workforce and economic development leadership to make the case for these critical needs.”