External Challenges

  1. Constitutional constraints
    • The combination of a weak economy and statutory restrictions on the state budget created a structural deficit in Colorado that cannot be resolved without Constitutional change.
    • In constant dollars, state general fund appropriations for higher education have reached their lowest level in more than 20 years. Colorado now ranks 48th in the nation in the amount of state tax funds devoted to higher education per $1,000 of personal income.
  2. Lack of factual knowledge about Colorado State among the general public
    • While our image is improving, we are still perceived as only Colorado’s “ag school,” despite world class programs in a number of scientific and professional fields and disciplines.
  3. Public perception that higher education is inefficient
    • Colorado State’s administrative costs (3.2 percent of $600 M budget) are the lowest of any similar institution in the country – and these costs may be so low as to result in risks and missed opportunities.
  4. Diversity and Access -
    • The combination of legal change (e.g., Michigan) and the narrowing of the admissions window by CCHE present serious challenges to access and diversity.
    • Only 11 percent of Colorado’s Hispanic young adults enroll in higher education.
    • Colorado ranks 35th in the nation in providing opportunities for low-income students to attend college.
    • Student financial need continues to grow. CCHE estimates that state financial aid programs cover less than 7 percent of student need.
  5. Market Constraints -
    • High cost of living in northern Colorado.
    • Loss of competitive position with regard to financial aid and scholarship funding.
    • Impact of 9/11 on international student recruiting.
External Challenges | External Opportunities | Internal Challenges | Internal Opportunities