There are a number of reasonable explanations why the growth of college costs exceeds that in other economic sectors. How higher education has avoided market and/or legislative discipline is unclear, but the growth in debt cannot continue, and colleges and universities will be called on for efficiency and productivity. (MSE)

The principal characteristics and problems of financing higher education in a developing nation like Colombia are discussed, and several attempts to solve them are reviewed. Differences between the burgeoning private sector and the public sector, areas of inefficiency, and effects of public policy on tuition levels and payment are examined.…

The Venezuelan higher education system is described, and the principal efficiency, equity, and management issues are examined, especially for public universities. A pattern of explosive growth followed by recurrent funding crises has been a recent development. Strong resistance to change despite evident current shortcomings is characteristic.…

This report documents the depth of the crisis affecting higher education systems throughout the developing world and shows how developing countries can achieve the goals of greater efficiency, quality, and equity in higher education. A review of country experiences suggests four key directions for reform. First, reform programs should encourage…