How the U.S. Supports Higher Education

Research and analysis on state and federal policies to aid students, families, and institutions

Higher Education Spending
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This page is no longer being updated. For more information on Pew’s research on the costs and funding of higher education, please visit the Student Loan Initiative.


The federal government and the states provide substantial resources for higher education, through direct spending and tax provisions that reduce revenue. This collection of resources explores how postsecondary education is funded at both levels of government and how that support varies by state.