Justin Ortagus

Justin C. Ortagus is a professor of Higher Education and Public Policy, with a joint appointment in the College of Education and LBJ School of Public Affairs. Prior to joining The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Ortagus served as a professor and director of the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Florida. His research typically examines the impact of online education, community colleges, and state policies on the opportunities and outcomes of college students.

His recent work has secured over $12 million in external funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, National Science Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Florida Department of Education, Arnold Ventures, and additional funders. He has also published in such venues as Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, American Educational Research Journal and Educational Researcher. Dr. Ortagus has testified before the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce on the role and influence of need-based financial aid for low-income students. His work and expertise have also been featured in NPR, USA Today, NBC News, Forbes, Teen Vogue, CNBC, and other news media outlets.