Postsecondary Education

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.

  • Report

    National Intelligence University's Role in Interagency Research: Recommendations from the Intelligence Community

    To help the Center for Strategic Intelligence Research (CSIR) of the National Intelligence University (NIU) better identify collaborative research opportunities, topics, and processes with Intelligence Community research entities, this study details the results of interviews about these research entities, their responsibilities, and their willingness to support interagency research with NIU.

    Aug 15, 2013

  • News Release

    News Release

    India's Rapidly Expanding Higher Education System Could Be Improved by Linking Education Quality to Funding

    India's higher education system faces challenges from underprepared faculty, unwieldy governance, and other obstacles to innovation and improvement. Instituting policies that link funding to quality could hold schools accountable for their performance, encourage greater innovation, and further the nation's education goals.

    Jul 23, 2013

  • a college lecture in India

    Report

    Linking Funding and Quality to Improve Higher Education in India

    India's higher education system faces challenges from underprepared faculty, unwieldy governance, and other obstacles to innovation and improvement. Instituting policies that link funding to quality could hold schools accountable for their performance, encourage greater innovation, and further the nation's education goals.

    Jul 23, 2013

  • india map on blackboard

    Research Brief

    Linking Funding and Quality to Improve Higher Education in India

    RAND researchers developed a course of action to help India implement policies and reforms that link higher education quality to funding to increase accountability, encourage greater innovation, and contribute to national goals.

    Jul 23, 2013

  • a piggy bank with a graduation cap surrounded by U.S. currency

    Commentary

    The Cost of Higher Education: The Big Picture

    According to Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, tuition is becoming less affordable because institutions are not performance-oriented and thus do not use their funding wisely. But would a more efficient system really bring measurable reductions in tuition costs?

    Jul 12, 2013

  • Ripples in water

    Solution

    Assessing and Articulating the Wider Benefits of Research

    In times of austerity, when every budget is being cut or under close scrutiny, higher education institutions are being asked to prove that their research programmes are valuable to society. RAND's Impact Finder helps to measure the benefits and impacts of research for the broader population.

    Jun 20, 2013

  • Two students sitting outside on a college campus

    Commentary

    Increase Funds for Quality

    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.

    Apr 15, 2013

  • Report

    Report

    Second-Language Skills for All? Analyzing a Proposed Language Requirement for U.S. Air Force Officers

    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.

    Dec 19, 2012

  • Journal Article

    Journal Article

    Developing a Higher Education Ranking System for Abu Dhabi

    We document the development of Abu Dhabi's first standardized higher education ranking and benchmarking system, covering 17 institutions by broad academic field.

    Oct 1, 2012

  • chalkboard calculus

    Journal Article

    Measuring Value-Added in Higher Education: A Practical Guide for Policymakers

    An rapidly developing outcomes-based culture among policymakers in the higher education sector recognizes the need for measures of value-added to capture the effect of institutions on their students—and the power these measures can have in incentivizing better performance.

    Sep 1, 2012

  • News Release

    News Release

    World Bank President Urges Graduates to Put Ideas Into Action

    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.

    Jun 28, 2012

  • Two men in a classroom

    Testimony

    Military Veterans' Experiences in For-Profit Higher Education

    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.

    May 17, 2012

  • Report

    Report

    The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program Proves to Be Cost-Effective

    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.

    Feb 28, 2012

  • Maryland National Guard Challenge Academy cadets

    Research Brief

    Meeting the Challenge: The Economic Return on Investment in the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program

    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.

    Feb 28, 2012

  • Report

    Report

    Fulfilling the Promise of an Urban School District

    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.

    Sep 12, 2011

  • Research Brief

    Research Brief

    Fulfilling the Promise of an Urban School District: Early Progress of The Pittsburgh Promise® College Scholarship Program

    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.

    Sep 12, 2011

  • college students

    Journal Article

    Does Remedial Education Help College Students?

    Colleges often offer remedial education to students who need help to succeed in the classroom. In fact, nearly one-third of freshmen take remedial courses. However, there is little evidence that remediation improves academic or labor market outcomes.

    May 1, 2011

  • college students in a classroom

    Journal Article

    Do Colleges Cultivate Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Writing and Interpersonal Skills?

    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.

    Jan 1, 2011

  • four people meeting

    Journal Article

    Examining Leadership, Management, and Governance in Higher Education Collaborations

    UK higher education institutions have developed collaborative relationships with organizations outside the education sector for many years. RAND analyzed recent collaborations to provide recommendations on structuring leadership, management, and governance to effectively create and implement innovative relationships.

    Jan 1, 2011

  • Report

    Report

    Arts and Humanities Research Provides Wide-Ranging Impacts

    The University of Cambridge's arts and humanities research provides many societal benefits, including impacts on academics, policy, and practice. RAND Europe assessed and documented these impacts, which also include the preservation of buildings, languages, and literature.

    Jun 10, 2010

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