Synopses & Reviews
"Mario Martinez describes profound structural changes that ensure equally profound changes in American higher education. These structural changes require structural solutions far beyond the grasp of our current political stalemate and retail politics. The question of college access and quality will remain with us because the economic and demographic forces that drive it are relentless. This book tracks both of these forces and raises issues to help those interested in the future of higher education think about the future of access and quality in the states." -- From the Foreword by Anthony P. Carnevale, Vice President, Educational Testing Service Research shows that all sectors of society, across age and racial groups, consider access to higher education as essential to achieving satisfying employment and a better quality of life. Yet there has been surprisingly little public discussion about recent major changes in higher education access and funding and no policy debate about how to respond to Americans' growing aspirations about college. This book aims to stimulate debate by presenting research about future demand: changing patterns of postsecondary participation and census projections over the next fifteen years, and their implications for resources and funding. The author disaggregates state data, taking into account states' individual histories, size, age demographics, regional characteristics and priorities, to show the different policy options available. Rather advancing any particular policy, the author aims to stimulate an informed discussion about alternative strategies to meet demand and increase access. What is the college population likely to look like in 2015? What arethe projected patterns for traditional and adult students? What factors will influence enrollment in private or public institutions, or two- or four-year colleges? The authors set their analyses in the context of the public and private benefits of higher education. This volume presents multiple scenarios of future enrollment, and state-by-state comparisons, that are vital for setting priorities and determining the implications of increasing access to higher education.
Synopsis
Research shows that all sectors of society, across age and racial groups, consider access to higher education as essential to achieving satisfying employment and a better quality of life. Yet there has been surprisingly little public discussion about recent major changes in higher education access and funding and no policy debate about how to respond to Americans' growing aspirations about college.
This book stimulates debate by presenting research about future demand: changing patterns of postsecondary participation and census projections over the next fifteen years, and their implications for resources and funding.
The author disaggregates state data, taking into account states' individual histories, size, age demographics, regional characteristics and priorities, to show the different policy options available. Rather advancing any particular policy, the author aims to stimulate an informed discussion about alternative strategies to meet demand and increase access.
What is the college population likely to look like in 2015? What are the projected patterns for traditional and adult students? What factors will influence enrollment in private or public institutions, or two- or four-year colleges? The authors set their analyses in the context of the public and private benefits of higher education.
This volume presents multiple scenarios of future enrollment, and state-by-state comparisons, that are vital for setting priorities and determining the implications of increasing access to higher education.
Synopsis
A book worth reading for anyone interested in issues of access and state postsecondary education policy. The clear strength of Martinez's book is in its creative use of data, presented in a style free of the kind econometric jargon that sails over the heads of many people. The people who most need to read the book--state policymakers and policy researchers--will find a very accessible discussion of a very salient issue.--The Review of Higher Education