Edward Elgar Publishing Cost Control, College Access, and Competition in Higher Education

Quality has never been more important for the future of higher education and the economy than it is today. Unfortunately, the decline in student quality is accompanied by costs that are out of control, a governance system that will not permit any reallocation of resources, and a society that expects higher education to address problems that are well beyond its core competencies. In this timely volume, Robert E. Martin presents a thorough treatment of the social contract between those who fund higher education and those who benefit from it. In-depth discussions include: • the institution's role as steward of the higher education social contract • the role of transaction costs, risk bearing, production technology, and asset ownership in determining the internal structure of the institution• the market for academic charities• price, quality, and advertising competition in higher education. Formal models of production and cost, optimal fundraising, the maximization of academic reputation, agency behavior, and the student's enrollment decision are also presented and analyzed. Cost Control, College Access, and Competition in Higher Education will be of great interest to higher education researchers and administrators, economists, and public policymakers. Review 'This book is much more interesting, and more important, than its technical-sounding title might suggest. It combines rigorous economic analysis with thoughtful conclusions as to the public purposes and organisational priorities of higher education.' About the Author Robert E. Martin, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Centre College, US