The Indiana Commission for Higher Education: Shaping the Future of Postsecondary Education

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) plays a pivotal role in the state's postsecondary education landscape. Established in 1971, the Commission is responsible for coordinating and overseeing higher education institutions in Indiana, focusing on planning, policy development, and advocacy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CHE, its functions, and its impact on higher education in Indiana.

Genesis and Mandate

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education was created by an act of the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by then-Governor Edgar Whitcomb in 1971. The Commission was established with a clear mandate:

Define the educational missions of public colleges and universities.
Plan and coordinate Indiana’s state-supported system of post-high school education, taking into account the plans and interests of independent colleges and universities.
Review both operating budget and capital budget appropriation requests from public colleges and universities.
Approve or disapprove the establishment of any new branches, campuses, extension centers, colleges, or schools for public colleges and universities.
Approve or disapprove the offering of any additional associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree or certificate program of two semesters or more in duration for public colleges and universities.
Review all programs of study of public colleges and universities and make recommendations to the governing board of the institution, the Governor, and the General Assembly concerning the funding and the disposition of these programs.
Administer more than $400 million annually in student financial aid programs.
Designate and employ the Commissioner for Higher Education.

Structure and Governance

The Commission operates as an independent agency within the executive branch of Indiana state government, adhering to the Indiana Open Door Law, which ensures transparency and public access to meetings and records. It is governed by a fourteen-member board, with members appointed by the Governor of Indiana. The board includes representatives from public and independent higher education institutions, as well as members with expertise in business, labor, and other sectors.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has several core functions and responsibilities, including:

Program Approval and Review

The Commission is responsible for approving or disapproving the establishment of new branches, campuses, extension centers, colleges, or schools, as well as the offering of new degree programs by public colleges and universities. This ensures that academic programs meet state standards and align with workforce needs. The role will engage with higher education policy, regularly liaise with state educational institutions’ staff, complete targeted research projects, and maintain key information through the Commission for Higher Education Data Submission System (CHEDSS). The Commission reviews all programs of study of public colleges and universities and make recommendations to the governing board of the institution, the Governor, and the General Assembly concerning the funding and the disposition of these programs.

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Financial Aid Administration

The Commission administers state financial aid programs, helping students afford the cost of college. This includes overseeing programs like the Frank O’Bannon Grant, Indiana’s primary need-based financial aid program. For the first time, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education is transparently sharing the methodology used to model future spending for the Frank O’Bannon Grant.

Data Collection and Analysis

The CHE collects data on college-going, enrollment, and completion rates to inform policy decisions and institutional improvements. This data-driven approach allows the Commission to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of programs, and make recommendations for improvement.

Policy Development and Advocacy

The Commission plays a key role in developing policies that promote access, affordability, and quality in higher education. It also advocates for the interests of students and institutions at the state and national levels.

Impact and Initiatives

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has a significant impact on the state's higher education landscape. Through its various initiatives, the Commission seeks to:

Increase College-Going Rates

The CHE is committed to increasing the number of Indiana residents who pursue postsecondary education. This includes reaching out to students in rural or underserved areas and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in college.

Improve Completion Rates

The Commission works to improve the percentage of students who complete their degree or certificate programs. This involves providing students with academic support, financial aid, and other resources that help them stay on track and graduate.

Align Education with Workforce Needs

The CHE collaborates with employers and industry leaders to ensure that academic programs align with the needs of the workforce. This includes supporting career and technical education (CTE) programs and promoting work-based learning opportunities. During the 2025-2026 academic year, more than a quarter of a million Indiana students were enrolled in at least one CTE course.

The HOPE Agenda

Through initiatives like the HOPE (Hoosier Opportunities and Possibilities through Education) Agenda, the Commission seeks to increase college-going rates, improve completion rates, and align educational outcomes with workforce needs. These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the state's higher education landscape by expanding access to quality education for students in rural or underserved areas, providing working professionals with opportunities to advance their education without disrupting their careers, and offering a model for other institutions to collaborate and share resources in delivering online education.

Partnerships and Collaborations

While the Indiana Commission for Higher Education does not have formal international partnerships, it collaborates with various national organizations, such as the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs (NASSGAP) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), to stay informed about best practices and trends in higher education policy and finance.

Current Initiatives and Opportunities

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is actively involved in several initiatives and offers various opportunities for individuals to contribute to the state's higher education goals.

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Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month

Last week, Governor Mike Braun officially proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Indiana!

School Counselor Lunch and Learn

Join CELL's next School Counselor Lunch and Learn on Jan. 13 as we address Work-Based Learning (WBL) as part of the new Indiana Diploma requirements for career readiness and real-world skill development. Linsay Osos and Sam Rourke from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education will help school counselors learn how WBL supports Readiness Seals and creates meaningful pathways for students across all postsecondary options.

Job Opportunities

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is hiring! Join our great Academic Affairs team as a Manager for Academic Affairs.

Governor's Summer Internship Program

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) is seeking talented and motivated individuals for our Governor's Summer Internship Program. The Commission has five open, paid positions where you can gain hands-on experience and contribute to initiatives that increase educational attainment for all Hoosiers.

National Engineers Week

Save the date for National Engineers Week. This week celebrates and promotes the field of engineering by raising awareness about the contributions of engineers to civil society and inspiring the next generation of engineers. ACEC Indiana is organizing classroom visits to engage students, with the goal of reaching every county in Indiana. Teachers are encouraged to submit classroom visit requests by the Dec.

Addressing Misconceptions

It's important to clarify some common misconceptions about the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Accreditation

The Commission does not accredit colleges and universities. Accreditation is typically handled by independent organizations.

Governing Board

The Commission is not a governing board, but a coordinating agency that works closely with Indiana’s public and independent colleges.

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