A recent survey of federal government officials, corporate leaders in charge of personnel and research, and journalists found dramatically different views in some areas, but agreement in concern about college costs, financing, and lack of government spending for research. Most felt college is a fair value for the cost. (MSE)

This report presents information for parents, students, staff, policymakers, and the general public on the quality and performance of public higher education in West Virginia. Chapters display numerous indicators addressing various aspects of higher education: preparation; participation; affordability; workforce development and education outcomes.…

This paper estimates the returns to retraining for older displaced workers--those 35 or older--by estimating the impact that community college schooling has on their subsequent earnings. Our analysis relies on longitudinal administrative data covering workers who were displaced from jobs in Washington State during the first half of the 1990s and…

This guide for working adults who are considering returning to school to get a college degree is illustrated with charts provides worksheets, offers case studies which personalize the material, and includes "description" boxes (icons) that highlight nontraditional degree programs offered by various schools. Chapter 1 discusses how to overcome…

This statewide fact book contains general statistical information about public community and technical colleges in Texas. Each section of the report begins with a statewide summary, which generally includes graphical representation of observations. Following the statewide summary in each section, detailed institutional information is presented in…

This report presents retention and graduation patterns of full-time undergraduate students at Maryland's public four-year colleges and universities from 1979-98, and specifically the number and percentage of students who were retained at their original public four-year campus and those who graduated from any senior college or university in the…

A survey of 467 business students at Virginia Commonwealth University investigated results of the business school's tuition differential pricing strategy, which charges a higher tuition in order to provide students with strong computer and technological instruction and support. Results indicated the additional services created added value for…

Describes the University of California, Berkeley's current undergraduate population, affirmative action and diversity programs, and retention programs targeting minority students, including the Summer Bridge program and Student Learning Center. Identifies factors critical to successful retention: understanding and overcoming student resistance to…

Chronicles the confusion and anguish of being caught between traditional Dominican culture and that of modern U.S. society. Relates the author's experiences at a community college, problems in "fitting in," and issues of identity as an immigrant student. (DMM)

Identifies keys to the success of tribal colleges in meeting the educational needs of American Indian students, focusing on programs and special services for tribal college students, and the role of college personnel (i.e., teachers, administrators, and board members) in serving first-generation students. (DMM)

In recent years, Latinas (females) have been graduating from high school, attending college, and attaining bachelor's and master's degrees at higher rates than their male counterparts, whereas Latinos (males) continue to attain doctorates, tenure-track professorships, and high-level administrative positions at higher rates than their female…

Assessment of Hopwood v Texas ruling on admissions at West Texas A&M University finds it has had little effect on that institution. The school stepped up recruitment efforts, targeting high schools with diverse populations. Additionally, the state's "10 percent" rule automatically made the top 10% percent of graduating students…

A study tested the accuracy of a general model in predicting college predisposition among eighth-grade students of diverse ethnicity at schools characterized by high minority enrollments and high participation levels in subsidized school lunch programs. Results suggest models using broadly aggregated student data may overlook important…

Two case studies of men from diverse cultures, African American and Vietnamese American, illustrate the potential for underachievement among first-generation gifted students at comprehensive universities. Amplifying previous studies, this research provides an examination of attrition and highlights influences on underachievement. Conclusions…

Policymakers have long been concerned about the disparities in college attendance between more and less advantaged groups of students. Upward Bound is one of the largest and longest running federal programs designed to help economically disadvantaged students prepare for, enter and succeed in college. Since December 1991, Mathematica Policy…