Public Higher Education : Problems and Prospects / Clifford M. Hardin.

Although the old distinctions between public and private institutions of higher education are becoming blurred, 1 major difference remains: for traditional and political reasons, public universities have responded to the demand for greatly expanded enrollments whereas private universities have restricted enrollments. In recent years, all universities have been moving toward a new kind of total role in society. Because their endeavors are costly and pressures for growth are sure to continue, there is concern whether traditional sources of income will be adequate for the future. Data on expenditures per student and faculty salaries indicate public higher education is entering a new phase of expansion with an already strained financial structure. Of the 4 principal sources of revenue--state and local tax appropriations, student fees, endowment gifts, and federal aid--state revenues and endowment funds are unlikely to keep pace with need. Proposals have been made to pass a greater share of the costs to students. But one must consider that college remains the domain of the middle and upper class, that a tiny proportion of students are Negro, and that a major national goal is to place low-cost higher education within easy reach of all economic groups. Ways must be found to extend the traditional public university into the city and to provide a curriculum there that effectively broadens the outlook of vocation-minded students. To meet the increased challenges, interinstitutional agreements will become more common. (JS)

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