This book examines the relationship between higher education and state and federal government and proposes the deregulation of higher education. The book notes that deregulation works in preserving and sometimes increasing quality and in maintaining access and diversity, although it does not automatically reduce costs. Part 1 presents the case for deregulating public higher education in three chapters: "Why the Time is Ripe for Restructuring" (Terrence J. MacTaggart); "Technology, Competition, and Control in Higher Education" (James R. Mingle, Rhonda Martin Epper); and "Helping Public Institutions Act Like Private Ones" (Kenneth A. Shaw). Part 2 presents two case examples of deregulation in action: "Balancing Self-Interest and Accountability: St. Mary's College of Maryland" (Robert O. Berdahl); "Defining the Scope and Limits of Autonomy: New Jersey" (Darryl G. Greer). Part 3 focuses on implementing the changes necessary to make greater autonomy work. Chapters are: "State Policy for a Time of Adaptive Change" (Patrick M. Callan, Kathy Reeves Bracco, Richard C. Richardson, Jr.); "Rethinking the Criteria for Trusteeship" (Richard T. Ingram); "Achieving Independence Through Conflict and compromise: Michigan" (Marvin W. Peterson, Michael K. McLendon); and "Implementing Independence: Benefits and Obligations" (Terrence J. MacTaggart). (Contains approximately 160 references.)(DB)