Louisiana universities underfunded by $850M, higher ed leaders say

After three consecutive years of standstill state budgets, Louisiana’s public colleges and universities are struggling with the effects of inflation and bloating athletics budgets.

Gov. Jeff Landry has boasted of not growing the state budget since he took office in 2024. But while funding has generally stood still, inflation has created the practical effect of budget cuts not just for colleges and universities but all state government.

Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed listed inflation and athletics costs among the key factors leading to financial challenges at several public universities in Louisiana. She laid out the financial picture for state lawmakers this week to the committees that craft the state budget.