A Conceptual Analysis of State Support for Higher Education: Appropriations versus Need-Based Financial Aid
44 Pages Posted: 4 Feb 2009 Last revised: 23 Jun 2009
There are 2 versions of this paper
A Conceptual Analysis of State Support for Higher Education: Appropriations versus Need-Based Financial Aid
Date Written: February 4, 2009
Abstract
In this paper, we use economic concepts to examine the choice that states make between giving appropriations to public colleges or need-based financial aid to students. We begin by reviewing the economic justification for state support for higher education. Next, we introduce a simple economic model for comparing and contrasting appropriations and need-based aid for supporting higher education. We then provide a graphical depiction of the model and simulate the effects of each policy on access to higher education. We show that it is in the best interest of states to provide need-based aid and not appropriations. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the factors that complicate the reallocation of state funding away from appropriations and towards need-based aid.
Keywords: Appropriations, education finance, higher education, economics of education, need-based financial aid
JEL Classification: D78, H23, H39, H40, H52, H70, I2, I3, J18
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?
Recommended Papers
-
Resident and Nonresident Tuition and Enrollment at Flagship State Universities
-
By Jeffrey Groen and Michelle J. White
-
By Amanda Griffith and Kevin N. Rask