Market-Based Higher Education: Does Colorado’s Voucher Model Improve Higher Education Access and Efficiency?

Nicholas W. Hillman; David A. Tandberg; Jacob P. K. Gross

doi:10.1007/s11162-013-9326-3

Research in Higher Education

September 2014, Volume 55, Issue 6, pp 601–625

Market-Based Higher Education: Does Colorado’s Voucher Model Improve Higher Education Access and Efficiency?

Authors
Authors and affiliations

Nicholas W. HillmanEmail author
David A. Tandberg
Jacob P. K. Gross

Article

First Online:: 03 January 2014

Received:: 01 February 2013

DOI: 10.1007/s11162-013-9326-3

Cite this article as:: Hillman, N.W., Tandberg, D.A. & Gross, J.P.K. Res High Educ (2014) 55: 601. doi:10.1007/s11162-013-9326-3

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Abstract

In 2004, Colorado introduced the nation’s first voucher model for financing public higher education. With state appropriations now allocated to students, rather than institutions, state officials expect this model to create cost efficiencies while also expanding college access. Using difference-in-difference regression analysis, we find limited evidence that these outcomes occurred within the 4-year sector; however, the policy increased cost efficiencies among community college and reduced college access for some underrepresented groups. The paper discusses the challenges of applying market-based reforms to public higher education.

Keywords

Higher education finance State policy Market-based reforms

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Authors and Affiliations

Nicholas W. Hillman
- 1
Email author
David A. Tandberg
- 2
Jacob P. K. Gross
- 3

1.University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUSA
2.Florida State UniversityTallahasseeUSA
3.University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUSA

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Market-Based Higher Education: Does Colorado’s Voucher Model Improve Higher Education Access and Efficiency?

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