Higher education has become central to discussions in American society about diversity, debt, hiring, and the workforce. In 2024, states are expected to introduce a series of bills and executive orders that directly address these issues and could reshape how colleges and universities operate. Policy measures range from initiatives to increase college enrollment to calls to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on campuses. Although such actions have traditionally targeted public institutions, political forces are increasingly penetrating higher education, and leaders of private institutions also report facingsimilar external pressures。

The following outlines three major state-level policy trends that colleges and universities need to address in 2024.

I. Continued Attacks on DEI Programs in Higher Education

In 2023, Florida and Texas fully banned DEI programs at public colleges and universities. Lawmakers supporting these policies belong to a conservative-led movement that believes DEI programs have exceeded their original scope and create division among students and staff.

Entering 2024, colleges and universities nationwide are expected to continue facing political pressure against DEI programs. For example, Utah lawmakers recently passed one of the mostsweeping DEI bans for public higher educationin the country, and the bill is currently awaiting the signature of Republican Governor Spencer Cox.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky legislature is considering at least two proposals that could significantly alter the state's DEI landscape. One proposal would prohibitDEI programs at nearly all public colleges and universitiesand would bar institutions from setting scholarship eligibility based on gender or race. Another proposal would prohibit public colleges and universities from promoting so-called "divisive concepts" inmandatory trainingsuch as claiming that individuals of a particular race or sex are inherently privileged, or that Kentucky is fundamentally racist or sexist.

Both proposals have received support from Republican leaders in their respective chambers. If they gain broad support from conservative lawmakers, they are likely to become law—the state's Republican Party holds a supermajority in the legislature sufficient to override a veto by the Democratic governor.

Many policies leave room for DEI content required by federal law or accreditation standards, but they are often broadly worded, making it difficult for college staff to clearly determine the boundaries between what is legally permitted and prohibited.

In Oklahoma, for example, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt ordered public colleges and universities toreview all DEI programs and positionsand eliminate those not necessary for accreditation and compliance. Institutions must report their review results to the state legislature by May. However, this three-page executive order has led to vastly different interpretations among state higher education leaders: Oklahoma State University stated that after an initial review, no major adjustments were needed, while the University of Oklahoma said the order forced it to eliminate all diversity offices. Civil rights organizationsdisputed the University of Oklahoma's interpretationurging the institution to retain its DEI programs.

Meanwhile, some higher education leaders are attempting to proactively respond ahead of legislative changes. For example, the University of Texas System, four months before the state government's comprehensive ban on DEI programs, had alreadypaused the development of new DEI policies。

II. FAFSA Graduation Requirements

At least two states—Nebraska and Oklahoma—will require high school graduates to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting in the 2024-25 school year. Overall, since Louisiana first implemented it in the 2017-18 school year, about a dozen states now require completion of the form as a graduation requirement. Last year, Louisiana's high school graduates achieved a FAFSA completion rate of 67.3% by the end of June, compared to the national average of slightly over 50%.

Advocates of mandatory FAFSA requirements argue that they help high school students—even those not planning to attend college—understand the financial aid options available. Research shows that completing the form is a strong predictor of whether a student pursues higher education.

This year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced she will push for legislation requiring high school graduates tocomplete the FAFSAor apply for state-administered scholarships through the New York Dream Act. In Pennsylvania, a similar proposal has passed the state Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House. Last year, just over half of the state's 12th graders had completed the FAFSA by early June.

Leaders of Pennsylvania's public university system expressed support for the bill last year, with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Daniel Greenstein stating that the state is missing out on funding opportunities. Data from the National College Attainment Network supports this claim. The nonprofit found that high school graduates in 2022 missed out on approximately$3.6 billion in Pell Grants。

The increased attention on FAFSA coincides with the U.S. Department of Education's release of a simplified form. The old FAFSA was known for being difficult to complete, requiring answers to over 100 questions. The new form may take less than 10 minutes, with students answering as few as 18 questions,according to the Department of EducationHowever, technical glitchesaffected the initial launchwhich came out three months later than usual.

Increased FAFSA completion rates could also change how states distribute local grants, as states typically rely on federal financial aid data when awarding these grants, according to research by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. The new FAFSA is expected to increase the number of students eligible for Pell Grants, and if combined with more students completing the form, it could put pressure on state budgets.

III. Relaxation of Degree Requirements for State Government Jobs

In 2023, multiple states eliminated requirements that candidates for government positions hold a four-year college degree. Maryland took the lead the previous year, when then-Governor Larry Hoganremoved four-year degree requirements for thousands of state government positionsThe Republican called it a "first in the nation" initiative aimed at recruiting qualified candidates with alternative experience such as apprenticeships and boot camps.

This trend has since accelerated and is expected to continue amid a tight labor market. State leaders often cite the need to expand the talent pool, with some, such asUtah's Republican governorcriticizing the overemphasis on degrees in hiring processes. Last year, includingMinnesota、VirginiaandPennsylvaniaamong others, also removed degree requirements for most state government positions. As of October,at least 16 stateshad eliminated degree requirements.

These changes come at a time when Americans'skepticism about the value of a four-year college degreeis deepening. These dual influences may steer young people away from higher education, an industry already facing declining numbers of traditional college-age students.