EDUC 457 - Economics and Finance of Higher Education

This course provides a practical and essential understanding of the financial nuances and current challenges of higher education that will serve both the student wanting to pursue a career in higher education as well as those students who want to better understand and participate in the current dialogue of higher education issues. The course has four goals: 1) to provide an introduction to the economics of higher education, including an understanding of economic theories and key concepts that link education and economics; 2) to study the inner workings of higher education finances, such as major components of revenue and expenses and their interrelationships; budgeting and reporting; and the management of endowment, facilities and debt; 3) to review important federal and state policies related to the funding of colleges and universities; and 4) to examine the debate about the rising costs of higher education in the United States. The course will include presentations by guest speakers intimately familiar with several aspects of higher education finance and economics (e.g. endowment, admissions, financial aid, philanthropy and other areas). Note: There are no prerequisites for the course and no prior knowledge of economic theory is needed.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar