Science of Higher Education: State Higher Education Policy and the Laws of Scale

State-by-state funding-per-student analyses of underfunding and weak state commitment have become common, but there has been little testing or questioning of the assumptions embedded in these analyses. State legislators are increasingly asking for a return on investment (ROI) for higher education funding, and the Science of Higher Education introduces a new paradigm that explores state higher education funding, enrollment, completion, and supply through the lens of power laws. The scale relationships uncovered suggest the potential benefits of emphasizing enrollment, completion, or capacity policies, but policymakers need to take into account the macro forces and interactions between government and market actors that influence the outcomes of state higher education systems.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 228 pages
\n Publication date: 28 June 2021
\n Publisher: Stylus Publishing
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State-by-state funding-per-student analyses have consistently drawn perennial conclusions about underfunding and weak state commitment to higher education, leading to a dilution of the argument for increased funding. Additionally, there has been limited scrutiny or questioning of the assumptions underlying traditional funding per student analysis and its resulting conclusions. As state legislators navigate the complex demands of education, health, transportation, and public safety budgets, they increasingly seek to understand the return on investment (ROI) they receive from their funding, including higher education. While the ROI language may evoke concerns about its corporate-like and neoliberal connotations, it is likely to persist in the foreseeable future. It is crucial to address two critical questions: how much funding should the states provide, and what benefits do they derive from their higher education funding?

For over forty years, the focus on traditional funding per student analysis has remained stagnant, indicating the need for innovative ideas and methodologies to explore questions of adequacy and benefit. The Science of Higher Education presents a novel paradigm that examines state higher education funding, enrollment, completion, and supply (the number and type of institutions in a state) through the lens of power laws. Power laws, which are well-known in the fields of biology and urban characteristics, also explain funding, enrollment, completion, and supply in state higher education systems. The scale relationships uncovered in this research suggest significant potential benefits for state policymakers.

By understanding the patterns and characteristics of power laws, state policymakers can gain insights into how funding, enrollment, completion, and supply interact and influence each other. This understanding can help them make informed decisions about allocating resources and implementing policies that promote higher education access, quality, and affordability.

Moreover, the Science of Higher Education provides a framework for analyzing and interpreting data related to state higher education systems. By using power laws, policymakers can identify trends, patterns, and outliers that may otherwise go unnoticed. This data-driven approach can help them make more accurate assessments of the state of higher education and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the Science of Higher Education offers a fresh perspective on state higher education funding, enrollment, completion, and supply. By leveraging power laws, policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of these complex systems and make informed decisions that promote the growth and success of higher education in their states. As the demand for higher education continues to rise, it is essential to invest in innovative research and methodologies that can help us better understand and address the challenges facing our education systems.

\n Weight: 362g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781642670899\n \n