Presidents of several Oklahoma colleges and universities have urged state lawmakers to implement policies to make the state’s higher education system more competitive. During an interim study session at the state Capitol, Higher Education Chancellor Allison Garrett and five university presidents outlined key recommendations to help retain students and attract out-of-state enrollment.
Garrett emphasized the need for greater flexibility in waiving both in-state and out-of-state tuition, increased funding for marketing efforts, and the expansion of the Oklahoma Opportunity Scholarship to include higher education institutions. According to Garrett, a significant number of Oklahoma high school graduates are leaving the state for college, mainly drawn by lower tuition costs and program offerings in neighboring states like Kansas, Texas, and Missouri. Currently, only 34% of Oklahoma high school graduates attend a public institution in the state, while 6% choose out-of-state schools.
Presidents of institutions near state borders expressed concerns over losing students to neighboring states. Julie Dinger, president of Oklahoma Panhandle State University, noted that out-of-state schools often waive tuition or match Oklahoma rates, making it harder to compete. She stressed the importance of retaining local talent, particularly in rural areas where “brain drain” threatens community sustainability.
Other university leaders highlighted strategies such as keeping tuition low, expanding scholarship programs like Oklahoma Promise, and embracing online education to increase enrollment. Despite challenges, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University reported steady enrollment, with the latter hitting a record of 6,000 students this fall.
The interim study aims to guide lawmakers as they prepare for the next legislative session, focusing on enhancing the state’s higher education landscape.
