NC State Economist Mike Walden – “Impacts of Supporting Higher Education”
Mary: This is Mary Walden with economist MW, welcoming you to the economic perspective. Today’s program looks at impacts of supporting higher education. Mike, many states – including North Carolina – contribute substantially to financially supporting community colleges and public universities so that tuitions paid by students can be lower. Do we have any evidence on the effects of these policies?
Mike: Summary Answer
- Stated reasons for this financial support are to encourage more residents to go to college and to increase the educational level of the state’s workforce
- One concern – will student take the degree and run – that is move to another state after graduation
- Have some new research that addressed these questions, and two major conclusions were reached
- First finding was that state support of higher education does result in higher enrollment
- Second finding was that the loss of graduates to other states is minor, so state support does elevate the educational attainment of the state’s labor force
- I’m MW
Mary: And I’m Mary Walden for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
