Meeting the Challenges of Population Growth and the Future Demand for Postsecondary Education PDF - This policy brief tracks state-level population changes in the 18-and-older population and addresses the implications of those changes on the demand for postsecondary education over the next 15 years. Projected demographic and enrollment statistics are provided for all 50 states, and various state examples throughout the brief illustrate the higher education policy issues that will arise over the next decade. (Mario C. Martinez, Education Commission of the States, August 2004)...

Closing the College Participation Gap: A National Summary PDF - As state economies decline and enrollment demand grows, people’s opportunity to obtain a postsecondary education – and states’ ability to provide access to one – is likely to be challenged in the coming years. This ECS report examines the potential threats to college participation, and offers assistance for policymakers interested in increasing access, particularly for disadvantaged populations. Major findings include: the United States is falling behind other industrialized nations in college participation; demographic and economic forces are converging to limit states’ ability to protect, much less expand, college access; and growing gaps in participation rates based on age, race and income level suggest large numbers of people are at risk of losing access to a college education. The major theme of the report is that closing the postsecondary participation gap is key to improving both economic and social well-being in states. Also available are profiles for all 50 states. (Sandra Ruppert, Education Commission of the States, 2003)...

Higher Education in Michigan: Overcoming Challenges to Expand Access - This study focuses on three geographically diverse areas of Michigan: a suburban county, a large city, and six rural counties in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. Some consistent patterns were found: (1)The state's residents have found it increasingly difficult to succeed with a college degree; (2) It is extremely important to expand access to postsecondary education for the state's economic future; (3) In all three areas examined, barriers make it difficult for low-income and minority residents to earn a college degree. Recommendations include addressing college access at the state level; establish better and new relationships between two- and four-year institutions; develop better transportation systems; and expand healthcare and medical training to position Michigan as a leader in the industry. (Alisa Cunningham, Wendy Erisman and Shannon Loney, Institute for Higher Education Policy, March 2008)...

Measuring Up 2006 - The fourth in a series of biennial report cards, this report is designed to provide the public and policymakers with information to assess and improve postsecondary education in each state. This Web site provides state leaders, policymakers, researchers and others with access to the national report card as well as access to all fifty state report cards. In addition, the site can compare any state with the best-performing states in each performance category, compare indicator scores and state grades for any performance category, obtain source and technical information for indicators and weights, and allow visitors to download the reports. Further, the Web site has the capacity to view previous report cards from 2000, 2002 and 2004....