FY 2028 State Appropriations Requests

At its September meeting, the Board of Regents will consider approval of FY 2028 state appropriations requests totaling $631.8 million. The Board will request a $10 million increase over FY 2027.

General Education Fund
The Board's general education request totals $561.25 million, a 1.08% increase from FY 2027. Each of the three universities is requesting a $2 million increase to its general operating appropriation, driven largely by rising utility, energy, and contracted-service costs. 

New Special Purpose Requests
Beyond the general fund requests, two new initiatives account for $2 million each in incremental 2028 funding.

First, UI's Rural Physician Pipeline would expand rural clinical rotation partnerships and grow UI's rural medicine track from 20 to 28 students over four years, addressing the fact that 65 Iowa counties are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. The rural Physician Pipeline would help close the gap between demand and service in these areas. 

Next, ISU’s AI-Ready Workforce and Innovation Initiative will prioritize ethical AI proficiency and leverage AI tools to support Iowa’s workforce through advanced manufacturing and engineering, rural innovation, autonomous and resilient agriculture, and other priorities.

FY 2028 State Appropriations Requests will be presented to the Board Thursday, September 17 at approximately 10:15 a.m. The three university presidents will present in support of their requests prior to Board action.