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Evaluating college campus closings for the 1980s: A case application of an optimization model

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Abstract

Institutional administrators, faculty, state planners, and legislatures have little analytical basis available to help them cope with the expected excess higher education capacity of the 1980s. Without objective criteria, state planners and legislatures are likely to propose across-the-board reductions even if it were preferable to close some institutions and expand others. This study is a case application of an optimization model to two community colleges in northern Minnesota. Using estimated enrollment demand functions and readily available data on size, quality, and costs, this model is designed to assist policymakers in identifying overbuilt institutions and programs that should be closed. The state's objective in the model is to satisfy specified proportions of enrollment demand with a minimum expenditure of state funds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, USA

    Stephen A. Hoenack (Director)

  2. Management Information Division, University of Minnesota, USA

    Stephen A. Hoenack (Director) & Janet K. Roemer

Authors
  1. Stephen A. Hoenack
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  2. Janet K. Roemer
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Hoenack, S.A., Roemer, J.K. Evaluating college campus closings for the 1980s: A case application of an optimization model. Res High Educ 15, 49–68 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00976548

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00976548

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