Choosing Higher Education Institutions
Higher Education Institutions, also known as HEIs, are institutions that provide higher education. They are a critical part of society and can play many important roles, including research and training for future professionals. In the U.S., HEIs provide a range of educational opportunities for individuals, including specialized studies in the arts, business, science, and technology.
Description of tertiary education in the U.S.
The higher education system in the United States is highly decentralized and diverse. It comprises public and private institutions that are affiliated with religious and secular ideologies. This article provides a general description of the structure and content of the system. It also includes links to state and federal education agencies. A more detailed overview of the system can be found at the U.S. Department of Education website. Here are some of the key features to consider when choosing a higher education institution.
The traditional tuition-based financial model of higher education is facing challenges in terms of affordability. This problem is exacerbated by the emergence of the “demographic cliff” – where the number of high-school graduates will drop to less than 3.3 million by 2030. Another concern is the decline in international enrollment, which has been a source of revenue for many colleges. The COVID-19 crisis could accelerate this trend. A third challenge facing higher education institutions is the competition for research funding.
Functions of tertiary education in the U.S.
With the increasing concentration of wealth in the United States, the functioning of tertiary education is affected. The top one percent of American households control more wealth than the bottom ninety percent, and 71 percent of the nation’s private wealth is held by the top ten percent. As a result, the United States’ higher education system reflects the sharp divide in the country’s socioeconomic classes.
US higher education institutions fall into three broad categories: public universities, state colleges, and community colleges. Public universities offer a wide range of graduate degrees, and are typically large and well-resourced. State colleges, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and may serve a single state or region and generally offer bachelor’s degrees. Community colleges are two-year colleges that provide preparation for transfer to four-year institutions. They also provide continuing education and vocational training to large numbers of students.
Impact of COVID-19 on HEIs
The financial impact of Covid-19 has been assessed by HEIs across the globe. With reduced attendance and lockdowns, the virus has reduced university incomes. In the UK alone, the virus will cost the country’s universities more than PS800m between 2019 and 2020. This includes lost revenue from accommodation and catering, as well as conference attendance. In the US, the e-HE industry earned US$44.6bn in 2017 but is projected to lose around $30bn by 2021. In Australia, the loss of between AUS3bn and AUS4bn in 2019-20 is also estimated to occur.
COVID-19 has implications that go beyond internal HEI machinations and academic staff interactions. It is likely to have disproportionate impacts on the poorest and most vulnerable groups of students. These students lack access to high-speed internet at home, and are more likely to rely on campus employment to meet their living expenses. A transition to online learning may disrupt their studies and prevent them from completing their courses. This also applies to international students, who may not have internet access or devices at home.
Trends in tertiary education in the U.S.
In recent years, the higher education sector has faced a number of challenges, including an increasing number of nontraditional students. This shift has led to a decline in traditional student enrollment and a rise in nontraditional student debt. In addition, students who do not complete their degrees do not reap the income-raising benefits of their education.
With the growing need for education, many states have turned to higher education leaders for guidance and support. This trend has led to over 100 mergers since 2000, and it is expected to increase. One recent example involves the Pennsylvania State University system restructuring its institutions. The restructuring may result in the sale of some properties on less affluent campuses. Another example involves three schools that are buying the assets of the University of Bridgeport. While academic programs will remain at the University of Bridgeport, other operations will be shared among the three schools.
