Oregon’s public higher education system is overseen by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), a 15-member volunteer body appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Established through 2013 legislation (SB 270 and HB 3120), HECC serves as both a coordinating board and state agency, with oversight of seven independently governed public universities, 17 community colleges, and statewide student access and workforce programs.
HECC is responsible for setting statewide postsecondary goals, developing an equity-centered strategic plan, and preparing the higher education budget. While a decentralized system, HECC holds power through it’s allocation of funding, administration of financial aid programs like the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise, and approvals of academic programs, tuition increases, and institutional missions. HECC also oversees credit transfer pathways, licenses private career schools, and authorizes degrees for select private and out-of-state institutions. In coordination with workforce partners, it manages Oregon’s implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), supports youth employment programs, evaluates public university performance, and leads statewide data reporting.
