129:  Who Pays? The Higher Education Shell Game

A recent study by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association outlines trends in the relative contributions made by states, the federal government, and students to the cost of higher education. The study also makes several policy recommendations that might ease the burden on students. That sounds promising, except that the recommendations all involve increasing state and federal allocations. Since funds for these allocations come from tax dollars, the real recommendations involve robbing Peter to pay Paul. In this episode I’ll take a look at the smoke and mirrors involved in determining the allocation of costs. I’ll then go way off the rails and suggest how a rational budget process for the higher education sector could enable it to become sustainable and integrated into the fabric of the American economy. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network.