A guide to ongoing projects and recent publications regarding financial indicators in higher education is presented. Identified are: (1) current projects developing financial indicators for colleges and universities, (2) related work, (3) federal agency interest, and (4) readings on the topic. (MLW)

Financial policies are viewed as buffers that protect the core activities of a college from fluctuation and that maximize the return of investments in all areas. Assumptions necessary for making financial policies are detailed and a strategy is outlined for developing financial policies that mesh with institutional plans. (Author/MLW)

The questions "How much does it cost this institution to provide an education?" and "How much should students pay for that education?" are difficult to answer. In virtually all private institutions, and most public ones, today's students actually are paying a variety of prices, depending on the aid they receive and the financing methods they…

A new approach to college financial self-assessment is described that focuses on changes in resources as the indicators of the institution's flexibility to respond to changes in its environment. The model is designed so that assessment results can be easily communicated within and outside the institution. (MSE)

The study identifies specific financial indicators for higher education, indicates the recommended source of data, and suggests a survey for the Higher Education Panel that could be used to supplement the data. The use of the indicators is explored and it is explained that the indicators allow the grouping of institutions for comparative analysis.…

Strategic planning involves analysis of risks and opportunities; financial management entails balancing risks and resources to achieve institutional goals. A framework is suggested to help college administrators integrate the two functions. (Author/MSE)

Bryn Mawr College is developing a data gathering workbook to aid small institutions in the analysis of financial options. Growth-rate balance and data gathering and analysis workbooks are described along with four problem areas: growth-rate imbalance, asset depletion, control indicators, and quality shifts. (MLW)

Results of the seventh annual national comparative data study on public two-year college financial characteristics are summarized, including statistics on expenditures and revenues, staffing, and credit enrollments. (MSE)

Indicators of the financial health of colleges and universities are considered, along with causes of financial problems, a conceptual framework for institutional financial flows, and data sources. Five indicators are addressed: changes in institutional distress potential for private colleges, changes in institutional financial resources, changes…

A relatively simple method for self-assessment of the financial condition of small independent colleges is presented. The workbook is intended to assist trustees, presidents, and business officers in small independent colleges in evaluating their institution's financial condition. A check list of necessary evaluations and a guide for interpreting…

An indicator of financial health for colleges and universities is proposed that uses a measure of future cash availability based on current status and income and expense trends. (Author/BH)

Developed to assist community college educators in analyzing their institution's financial performance in relationship to regional and statewide norms, this report presents financial data for fiscal year 1987-88 derived from a sample of 559 public community and junior colleges. Chapter 1 provides introductory information on the potential uses of…

Comparative financial information, derived from two national surveys of 559 public community and junior colleges, is presented in this report for fiscal year 1987-88. Chapter 1 provides guidance on the use of the report to compare institutional statistics with national and peer group norms and points out the limitations of the data. Chapter 2…

Comparative financial information for fiscal year 1986-87 is presented in this report, derived from two surveys of 535 public community and junior colleges. Chapter 1 provides guidance on the use of the report to compare institutional statistics with national and peer group medians; points out limitations of the data; and summarizes findings in…

Indicators of the financial condition of colleges and universities were compiled to assist the Department of Education in policy decisions, based on 1975-1978 institutional data, and site visits to colleges were undertaken. Findings include the following: (1) it is possible to monitor institutional financial conditions; (2) financial difficulty is…