The Nexus of Tuition Discounting and Federal Funding of Higher Education

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute A new study by NACUBO says that half (49.9 percent) of the revenues from tuition and fee charges at private, not-for-profit institutions of higher education are used to discount the sticker price of a college degree at these institutions. The lesson from NACUBO is that students and parents must look at the discounted price—not … Continue reading The Nexus of Tuition Discounting and Federal Funding of Higher Education

The Texas College Dilemma: How Big? How Much?

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute The San Antonio Express-News wrote an opinion yesterday on the expansion of higher education in Texas. Senate Bill 828, which failed earlier this year, would give authority to expand higher education campuses to meet the growth and needs of the state. As noted by the state’s higher education commission, Raymund Paredes, building new facilities … Continue reading The Texas College Dilemma: How Big? How Much?

I’ll take US Higher Education for $400, Alex

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute Alex: Well, we have a barn burner today, folks. Scott, you’re still in command of the board and close to clinching, so go ahead and make a selection. Scott: Thanks, Alex, let’s go “US Higher Education for $400,” please. Alex: Well, its today’s Daily Double. [crowd goes crazy] Scott: I’ll wager $2,000, Alex. Alex: … Continue reading I’ll take US Higher Education for $400, Alex

Moving Student Loans from the US Department of Education

by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & CEO, Educational Policy Institute There is an interesting piece in the Chronicle of Higher Education today on federal student loans. The piece argues whether FSA should be taken out of the US Department of Education and moved to the Treasury Department. What would be the value in doing such a thing? There is some value in this argument. … Continue reading Moving Student Loans from the US Department of Education

New York Takes the First Dive into Free Tuition

by Watson Scott Swail, President & CEO, Educational Policy Institute On Friday, the State of New York announced that it would provide free tuition to families earning less than $125,000. The cost of the program is budgeted at $163 million/year in today’s dollars, noting that those costs will escalate in the coming years beyond the cost of tuition. For those who support tuition-free policies, this is … Continue reading New York Takes the First Dive into Free Tuition