Funding

How are the OSU Statewides funded?

The three statewide public service programs — Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, OSU Extension Service and Forest Research Laboratory, known collectively as the OSU Statewides — are each mandated by separate, long-standing federal and state legislation. The Oregon legislature provides funding for the Statewides in three distinct line items in the state budget. State appropriations enable the Statewides to receive and compete for federal, local and external sources that fund research, outreach, innovation and other activities across the state.

2025-27 biennial budget update

In response to the recent economic forecast, state agencies — including the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) — have been asked to provide potential budget reductions to the Governor and Legislature. HECC’s proposed reductions included the OSU Statewides, Outdoor School, state programs, and general funding for public universities. This information will be used to inform the Governor and Legislature in preparation for budget reduction discussions during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Download budget reduction impact factsheet

Potential reductions and impacts

HECC has proposed reductions of up to 7.1% (nearly $14 million biennially) for the OSU Statewides. This amount is not final. These programs are essential to Oregon’s rural communities and natural resource industries. Budget cuts would disproportionately affect these areas, limit economic growth and reduce support for farms, forests, fisheries, youth and families.

Cuts of this magnitude could lead to closure of a research facility, loss of approximately 55 FTE and reductions in services and programming. Hiring freezes are already in effect for some state-funded positions in these programs, and further decisions will follow the 2026 legislative session.

Preserve Oregon's investment

We recognize that the state’s current financial situation will require budget adjustments. But now is the time to maintain investment in public education, including higher education. The OSU Statewides are a critical part of Oregon’s educational ecosystem, linking leading-edge research with education and career pathways for learners of all ages. These programs should not and cannot take a disproportional cut.

For more information, please contact:

Kris Elliott, Vice Provost, Extension and Engagement; Director, OSU Extension Service
[email protected]; 541-737-1381

Staci Simonich, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences; Director, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station
[email protected]; 541-737-5032

Thomas DeLuca, Dean, College of Forestry; Director, Oregon Forest Research Laboratory
[email protected]; 541-737-1585

Outdoor School funding

This year marks the first time since the first biennium of the program that the Legislature has funded Outdoor School below the voter-approved 4% of Oregon Lottery funds. The funding allocation was reduced by 20%, resulting in a $12 million shortfall. The impacts are being felt statewide.

HECC has proposed a further reduction, which would threaten the viability of district programs. Measure 99 and ORS 327.390 outline funding for all 5th or 6th grade students in the state for up to a week of outdoor school programming. Further budget reductions, for those districts that do attend a provider, could lead to a cap of a maximum of 3 days of programming.

See OSU Extension Outdoor School funding updates for 2025-27 for details and updates.

2025 legislative session

The OSU Statewides received $196.6 million (7% increase) to sustain core mission programs and services. While this investment fell short of necessary base funding, we recognize that the legislature faced a particularly tight budget environment and had to balance economic uncertainty and many statewide priorities.

The legislature also allocated $48 million for Outdoor School. In 2016, voters approved Ballot Measure 99, which allocated 4% of lottery funds towards Outdoor School and designated OSU Extension as the program administrator. The legislature reduced the budget $12 million below the 4% voter approved allocation, which will have a direct impact on the Outdoor School experience for fifth and sixth graders throughout the state. See OSU Extension Outdoor School funding updates for 2025-27.

Policy bills provided additional funding to OSU Statewides programs for specific projects. For a full list of legislative investments related to OSU, refer to the June 30 update from OSU's Government Relations Office.

Funding history

See summaries of previous state budget allocations for the OSU Statewides.