Week 4 Assignment: Educ 6155 Understanding Higher Education

Week 4 Assignment Educ 6155 Understanding Higher Education

Write 2–3 pages on the following questions: How have the political and economic factors impacting higher education changed in recent years? How have these factors led to a concern about issues of student learning and graduation? Why are the board members concerned about accomplishing change without increasing costs?

Paper For Above instruction

Over recent years, the landscape of higher education has undergone significant transformations driven primarily by evolving political and economic factors. These shifts have profoundly influenced institutional priorities, educational policies, and student outcomes, creating a complex environment that challenges traditional approaches to higher education.

Politically, increased governmental scrutiny and policy reforms have altered funding streams and accountability standards for higher education institutions. In many countries, including the United States, federal and state governments have reduced financial support to public colleges and universities, compelling these institutions to seek alternative revenue sources such as tuition hikes, private donations, and grant funding (Day and Newburger, 2013). Additionally, policy initiatives emphasizing accountability and measurable student success have grown, with legislatures mandating that institutions demonstrate tangible improvements in graduation rates and post-graduation employment outcomes (Peter and Rigby, 2014). These political pressures often prioritize short-term metrics over long-term educational quality, prompting institutions to focus on student retention and completion rates to meet regulatory expectations.

Economically, the rising costs of higher education have become a central concern. Tuition fees have escalated at rates exceeding inflation, making college less affordable for many students and prompting widespread debate about access and equity (D’Amico et al., 2020). The economic downturns and uncertainty of recent years, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, have further strained both institutional budgets and students’ financial capacities. This environment has heightened concerns over student debt, affordability, and the value proposition of higher education (Baum and Payea, 2019).

These political and economic factors have contributed to heightened concern about issues of student learning and graduation. As institutions face pressure to improve retention and graduation rates within constrained financial environments, questions about the quality of education and student preparedness have come to the fore. There is increasing anxiety that cost-cutting measures and efficiency drives may undermine instructional quality, leading to concerns about whether students are gaining the competencies necessary for successful careers (Sharkey, 2016). Additionally, the emphasis on graduation metrics can incentivize institutions to favor strategies that boost completion rates, sometimes at the expense of deep, transformative learning experiences.

Board members and institutional leaders are particularly wary of implementing change without incurring additional costs. They recognize that meaningful improvements—in areas such as curriculum redesign, faculty development, or enhanced student support—often require investments. However, limited budgets and the imperative to control expenses make it challenging to pursue innovative initiatives. Consequently, there is a strong emphasis on transforming existing structures efficiently, leveraging technology, and optimizing resource allocation. Boards seek solutions that enhance student outcomes and institutional performance without significantly increasing expenditures, often exploring data analytics, open educational resources, and scalable online programs as cost-effective strategies (Kezar, 2018).

In conclusion, the evolving political and economic landscape has significantly influenced higher education by imposing new accountability requirements and financial pressures. These changes have fostered a climate of cautious innovation, emphasizing cost-effective strategies to improve student learning and graduation rates. To succeed in this environment, institutions must balance the imperative of maintaining quality with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that reforms are sustainable and aligned with long-term educational excellence.

References

• Baum, S., & Payea, P. (2019). Education Pays 2019: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society. Centura Institute.
• D’Amico, M., LaTour, M. A., & Garcia, T. (2020). Costs and affordability in higher education: Trends and implications. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 42(3), 273-287.
• Day, J., & Newburger, E. (2013). The recent decline in higher education funding: Causes and consequences. Education Finance and Policy, 8(4), 371-398.
• Kezar, A. (2018). The Politics of Higher Education Funding and Policy. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Peter, K., & Rigby, P. (2014). Accountability policies in higher education: The impact on institutional performance. Journal of College Student Development, 55(6), 602-617.
• Sharkey, P. (2016). The purpose of higher education: Redefining student success. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 38(4), 683-701.