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Public and private sectors in higher education: A comparison of international patterns

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Abstract

This paper seeks to extend understanding of the varying nature and varying forms of private higher education. Three basic structural divisions between private and public sectors of higher education are compared: mass private and restricted public sectors; parallel public and private sectors; and, comprehensive public and peripheral private sectors. The private sectors are then contrasted in terms of such functional characteristics as state authority, financial constraints and dominant orientation toward either academic goals, the student marketplace or external patrons. The highly diverse American private sector is viewed in this context. A consideration of mass private sectors then suggests that parameters of public policy are set by structurally derived characteristics of higher education systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pennsylvania State University, 16802, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

    Roger L. Geiger

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  1. Roger L. Geiger
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Additional information

An earlier version of this paper was delivered to the Third International Seminar on Higher Education in Asia, sponsored by the Research Institute for Higher Education, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, January 28–29, 1987. This version has benefited from the comments of the Conference participants, as well as those of Paul DiMaggio.

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Geiger, R.L. Public and private sectors in higher education: A comparison of international patterns. High Educ 17, 699–711 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00143782

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00143782

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