Oklahoma last in nation in funding for higher education

Continued cuts in state funding have landed Oklahoma dead last in the nation when it comes to state tax support for higher education, the 2017 Grapevine study shows.

"We've been flirting with that ranking for some time," said President Don Betz of the University of Central Oklahoma.

Shrinking state funding triggers increases in tuition and mandatory fees, which have a human cost, Betz said.

"Every time we raise tuition and fees to make up for a lack of state appropriations, we create barriers for students," he said. "It's not about academics when students drop out. They drop out a semester or two to earn more money to pay for college."