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On the Meaning of Markets in Higher Education

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Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research

Part of the book series: Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research ((HATR,volume 28))

Abstract

We provide a review of the ways in which the concept of markets has been – and could be – applied to higher education. We contrast the ways in which the market idea has been applied to higher education by policymakers and academics in general with the economist’s textbook definition and perspective on markets as they apply to profit-making firms. We focus on the attributes of markets in higher education (specifically, how higher education services are priced and bundled for consumers), with specific attention given to a detailed exploration of the various markets that exist within the higher education industry in the United States. We examine how to identify the different markets within higher education and the resulting implications for policymakers.

Please address all correspondence regarding this manuscript to Robert K. Toutkoushian.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics, Indiana University, Wylie Hall 105, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    William E. Becker Ph.D.

  2. Institute of Higher Education, University of Georgia, Meigs Hall 114, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Robert K. Toutkoushian Ph.D.

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Correspondence to Robert K. Toutkoushian Ph.D. .

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  1. Department of Educational Policy and, Leadership Studies, University of Iowa, Lindquist Center N491, Iowa City, 52242-1529, Iowa, USA

    Michael B. Paulsen

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Becker, W.E., Toutkoushian, R.K. (2013). On the Meaning of Markets in Higher Education. In: Paulsen, M. (eds) Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research. Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, vol 28. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5836-0_7

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