Since its establishment in the 1860s, Washington's higher education system has evolved rapidly to meet a myriad of state needs in fields as diverse as agriculture, bioscience, chemistry, environmental sciences, engineering, medicine, law, business, computer science, and architecture. Today, higher education, like other vital state functions, faces an uncertain future due to the lingering effects of the national recession. In the current biennium, public colleges and universities implemented significant budget cuts and raised tuition. Washington's higher education system represents substantial public investment that is shared by the state and by students who directly benefit. Finding a proper balance between public investments and the tuition paid by students and their families is a major challenge facing the state. "Key Facts about Higher Education in Washington" provides vital data to chart higher education's progress and challenges. First published in 2002 by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), this annual report highlights Key Facts about Washington's postsecondary institutions, including faculty, students, budgets, and financial aid. In a time of significant fiscal challenges, the final chapter suggests efforts to continue progress on the state's long term higher education goals. A glossary is included (Individual chapters contain tables, graphs, and footnotes.)