Author: Educational Policy Institute

The Educational Policy Institute (EPI) is a Virginia-based research think tank on education and the social sciences. EPI conducts evaluation and policy studies on various educational issues from Pre-K to workforce outcomes in the United States, Canada, and beyond. Visit us at educationalpolicy.org.
2020, Retention, ROI/College Outcomes, Student Success

The Demographic Challenge of Higher Education

By Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist, Educational Policy Institute Most postsecondary institutions across the country are experiencing sharp and steady declines in enrollment. This is for two primary reasons: demographic and economic trends. In 2010, the US hit a peak of college-aged students that has since been on a slow decline. The chart below illustrates both the decline and the projected enrollment until … Continue reading The Demographic Challenge of Higher Education

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2020, Retention, Student Success

So, You Want to Increase Student Retention?

By Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist, Educational Policy Institute We talk with people at campuses across the US about issues related to student retention and success. Over the years, we have worked with thousands of people and hundreds of institutions. Everyone, to the person, wants to see their retention, persistence, and graduation rates increase. Rarely do they succeed. If everyone is so driven … Continue reading So, You Want to Increase Student Retention?

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2019, Research/Policy, ROI/College Outcomes

Yelp for Higher Ed? Please No…

I just read an article in the Chronicle Vitae last week titled Why We Need a Yelp for Doctoral Programs, by Leonard Cassuto of Fordham University (December 19, 2019). His thesis is that prospective students and funders could benefit from a Yelp-like web directory of doctoral programs, complete with comments from students and alumnus about the quality of their graduate program. Cassuto argues (correctly) that … Continue reading Yelp for Higher Ed? Please No…

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2019, College Access, Financial Aid, K12, Politics, Research/Policy, Student Success

What I Want for Christmas

Santa, I don’t have a big list this year. I think I’ll keep it pretty simple, if you don’t mind? That way, when you come to my house, you don’t need to spend too much time. Enjoy the almond milk and the sugar-free cookies. You could use a little help with that waistline. In fact, I am completely okay with you phoning this one in, … Continue reading What I Want for Christmas

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2019, College Access, College Affordability, Financial Aid, Politics, Research/Policy

What if Public Higher Education was Nationalized?

By Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute With all the talk about increasing the number of students gaining access to a higher education in a way that is either free or more affordable than currently offered, it is perhaps worth a dialogue about whether state governments are the appropriate vehicle to house the public higher education system. This is not to … Continue reading What if Public Higher Education was Nationalized?

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