From community college courses to doctoral programs, postsecondary education encompasses all forms of schooling after completion of high school or its equivalent. RAND's research on postsecondary education programs and institutions throughout the world has been influential; research in Qatar, for instance, led to reform of the National University and a realignment of postsecondary education to societal needs.
Commentary
In India, perhaps if the funds that are needed are put in with the help of philanthropists like Shiv Nadar, Azim Premji or Rajendra Pawar, it may be possible to build world class universities, writes Rafiq Dossani.
Report
A survey of Air Force officers suggests that it would not be feasible to require a high level of proficiency in a second language upon commissioning. Alternatives, such as incentivizing steps toward attaining proficiency, are suggested.
Journal Article
In this paper, we outline a practical guide for policymakers interested in developing institutional performance measures for the higher education sector.
News Release
Today's public policymakers have a unique opportunity to shape the future, but only if they focus on putting ideas into action and "get stuff done," said Robert B. Zoellick, the 11th president of the World Bank Group, at the Pardee RAND Graduate School commencement on June 23, 2012.
Report
Veterans choose for-profit colleges because their tuition rates are set to match allowable GI Bill benefits; they have adult-oriented, career-focused programs with flexible schedules; they accept military transcripts; courses are available when needed; and students can attend the same institution in multiple states if they relocate.
Report
The ChalleNGe program seeks to alter the life course of high school dropouts ages 16-18. A rigorous evaluation has shown that the program has positive effects on educational attainment and employment. A cost-benefit analysis supports public investment in the program as currently operated and targeted.
Research Brief
A cost-benefit analysis of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program, a program serving high school dropouts, indicates that every dollar invested in the program yields $2.66 in social benefits, an estimated return on investment of 166 percent.
Project
UK Higher Education Funding Councils will begin using a new Research Excellence Framework in 2014 to assess the quality and impact of a university's research before providing further funding. RAND Europe's ImpactFinder can help UK higher education institutions evaluate their research impact.
Report
Pittsburgh instituted a new college scholarship program to encourage eligible students to continue their education. An assessment of the program offers recommendations for improving its short- and long-term effectiveness.
Research Brief
To deal with the challenges of struggling public schools, declining populations, and diminishing quality in the local workforce, Pittsburgh instituted a new college scholarship program to encourage eligible students to continue their education.
Journal Article
This paper presents new evidence on this question using longitudinal administrative data from Texas and a regression discontinuity research design.
Project
The standard model of educational decisions predicts no (or minimal) effects of deferral on educational attainment, but this model may not tell the whole story. A study of those who were not accepted by lottery to a Mexican college shows that labor market effects must also be considered.
Journal Article
We investigate how much value college enrollment adds to students' critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, and the role college inputs play in developing these competencies, using data from a 2009 collegiate assessment pilot study in Colombia.
Research Brief
Describes the effort, begun in 2003, to reform Qatar University, including the impetus for reform, the design and implementation of the reform agenda, and a review of challenges that have been overcome and those that remain.
Research Brief
Describes the effort, begun in 2003, to reform Qatar University, including the impetus for reform, the design and implementation of the reform agenda, and a review of challenges that have been overcome and those that remain.
Research Brief
Describes a method that institutions can use to develop their own standards for scores on the Collegiate Learning Assessment, which measures students' critical thinking skills.
Report
Describes the application of a technique for setting standards on the Collegiate Learning Assessment, a measure of how much students' critical thinking improves after attending college or university.
Report
Summarizes the project, begun in October 2003, to reform Qatar University, including the impetus for reform, the design and implementation of the reform agenda, and a review of challenges that have been overcome and those that remain.
Journal Article
Using two measures of job opportunities—local unemployment rates and the percentage of local workers employed in jobs that require a bachelor's degree—I find support for the warehouse hypothesis. In areas where unemployment is low, with ample jobs that do not require a bachelor's degree, youth have higher odds of entering the labor force.
Journal Article
This article examines the expectation to complete a bachelor's degree among a predominantly low-income, mainly African American, panel of Baltimore youths at the end of high school, at age 22, and at age 28.
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