The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education voted Thursday to request an additional investment in public higher education to address workforce demands in our state’s critical occupations. For FY26, the State Regents request an increase of $95 million or 9.3% over the FY25 appropriation.
“Increasing college degree completion in high-demand fields remains the top priority for public higher education,” said State Regents’ chair Dennis Casey. “Our FY26 budget request reflects continued investment to meet growing workforce needs in STEM, education, and healthcare.”
The State Regents seek $9.3 million for FY26 to fund implementation of the Strong Readers Act provisions and expand concurrent enrollment.
Public higher education’s budget request also includes strategic investments that align with Oklahoma’s projected workforce demand in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and healthcare and focus on increasing adult degree completion. The State Regents request $42 million for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to increase enrollment and graduation in STEM, nursing, and other healthcare disciplines and provide additional scholarships for adult students nearing completion of a college degree or pursuing an industry-recognized micro-credential or certificate.
“Consistent with our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan, this budget request builds on successful workforce development initiatives and supports continued innovation at our public colleges and universities,” said Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. “Our primary objective is to produce more college graduates to address Oklahoma’s evolving workforce needs.”
The State Regents seek $43.7 million in FY26 to fund performance-based institutional allocations; strengthen college access and academic success services and FAFSA completion; expand student scholarships; fund innovations and efficiency initiatives; and enhance campus physical and cyber security. Additionally, the State Regents will advocate for institution-specific allocations of $403 million to meet campus needs, including system and structure maintenance projects, and fund strategic collaborations.
Expanding the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Act tax credit is also a priority for the State Regents in the upcoming legislative session. Authorizing the tax credit for donor contributions to fund need-based scholarships for students attending public colleges and universities will support efforts to increase Oklahoma’s college-educated workforce.
Another legislative priority for public higher education is refining Oklahoma’s Promise to reduce administrative barriers to scholarship access and participation. Strategies may include developing an appeal process to assist students facing unique circumstances and extending the application deadline to ensure no qualified student is excluded.
Recognized by many as one of the top promise scholarship programs in the country, Oklahoma’s Promise is considered a national model that emphasizes both academic preparation and financial support for college. More than 110,000 students have earned college tuition scholarships through Oklahoma’s Promise since the program’s inception. For more information about Oklahoma’s Promise or to apply online, visit https://okpromise.org/.