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Could consolidating Colorado’s public colleges and universities save the state money? A new report from the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research organization that focuses on free market and economic policies, says yes.
The January analysis says Colorado would save about $25 million a year by consolidating some of its public colleges. States such as Utah have realized cost savings by merging schools that offer two- and four-year degrees, the report says. These dual-mission institutions require 30% less taxpayer funding per student, according to the report.
Colorado already has several dual-mission institutions, including Colorado Mountain College, Adams State University, and Colorado Mesa University.
The report says some other colleges that are not dual mission operate near or alongside each other, such as the three colleges on Denver’s Auraria Campus. It identifies the three schools at Auraria and two in Pueblo as potential candidates for consolidation.
The analysis says those five schools spend a total of about $5.3 million on executive salaries. Consolidation into two schools — one in Denver and one in Pueblo — would bring down salary costs by about $1.7 million.
The report arrives at a time when private college mergers are increasing nationwide, and states face mounting financial pressures that could limit investment in public higher education. Although Colorado has increased higher education funding in recent years, it has also faced significant budget challenges.
A separate analysis from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association suggests mergers can help institutions respond to changing political and economic conditions. While older case studies indicate consolidations can maintain educational quality, the report suggests also considering the impact on students.
“It is important to measure how a college merger might affect college access and success either through the elimination or expansion of academic programs, and through changes to staffing and student support services,” the report says.
Higher ed stories from Chalkbeat
Colorado ballot measure would use Pinnacol Assurance proceeds for workforce training — The idea would provide an alternative to Gov. Jared Polis’ plan to sell the quasi-governmental agency while also boosting a variety of workforce training programs.
Colorado lawmakers want to help parents who feel ‘ghosted’ by the federal Office for Civil Rights — State Reps. Jacque Phillips and Jennifer Bacon want to provide Colorado parents with more ways to report allegations that their child is being harassed or discriminated against at school.
Colorado bill would let schools and colleges seek gun confiscation under ‘red flag’ safety law — Supporters say that by involving the institutions, Senate Bill 4 would help educators who are not familiar with the process file these petitions.
Colorado lawmakers want to create a ‘thriving’ designation for some colleges and universities — Sponsors say their bill would help schools attract students from diverse backgrounds.
115 Colorado students rally to strengthen the state’s ghost gun laws — Students Demand Action rallied to support legislative updates that would place further limitations on ghost guns, which are created through kits or parts manufactured by a 3D printer.
Misdemeanor convictions wouldn’t prevent some Colorado teachers from getting hired if new bill passes — Current law says that teacher licensure applicants must disclose most misdemeanor convictions regardless of the date of the conviction.
What we’re reading
Young adults fight for future as Colorado faces tight budget Colorado Public Radio
University of Denver braces for up to a $30 million budget shortfall next year The Denver Post (Paywall)
Chancellor calls for ‘big, audacious ideas’ to lead CU Boulder’s future Boulder Daily Camera (Paywall)
Epstein’s ties with academics show the seedy side of college fund-raising The New York Times (Paywall)
Affirmative action ended. So why are these Maryland colleges more diverse than ever? Baltimore Banner
Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
