The factors influencing student choice of an admission to three institutions are examined. A survey of entering full-time first degree students set out to compare: factors influencing decisions to enter higher education, sources of information which influenced decisions, pattern of applications, and factors influencing final choice. (Author/MLW)

A survey of corporations and universities concerning their organizational policies and practices for early retirement found that in general, retirement plans are about equal in benefits and options, but corporations offer far fewer opportunities for phased or gradual retirement. In this regard, the corporation severs its relationship with retirees…

Patterns of college admission, attendance, fields of study, student background, and employment for women in Sri Lanka are examined. Sex stereotypes and lifelong sex-based socialization there are found to account for the lack of progress in women's employment and participation in higher education. (MSE)

A followup survey of the employment patterns of British university graduates of 1984 who had not found suitable employment within six months of graduation is reported. Results show that most had succeeded in finding employment or proceeded to additional training within 12 months of graduation, even during a period of high unemployment. (MSE)

The implication for universities of a trend to orient research and development to national needs is explored. University research policies are responding to fears of losing internally funded research and a growing reliance on external funds. (MLW)

A study to test the connection between "A" level grades and age at entry with degree performance at Oxford Polytechnic is reported. "A" level grades were found to be of little value in predicting degree performance. (MLW)

The demand for education by adult students in 1980 is measured by a comparison of applications by and acceptances of adult and conventional students in various subject areas, age groups of applicants (21-24, 25-29, 30-39, and 40 and over), and chance of acceptance, by age group. (MSE)

A study of opinions of 3,000 high school seniors in England and Wales revealed attitudes about higher education and approaches to career and postsecondary decision making. Implications of the results for marketing of programs are discussed. Numerous tables and charts contain statistical results and cluster analyses. (MSE)

A discussion of the economics of higher education in developed and developing countries looks at these issues: increasing costs, spending in comparison with level of development, public subsidization, access, proportion of spending on salaries, higher education as investment, funding sources, cost reduction, and strategies for shifting cost…

A survey of 1,720 second-year undergraduates at the University of Brighton (England) gathered basic demographic information and data on their financial status, including the form(s) of student financial aid applied for and awarded, parent contributions and other income sources, housing, transportation, and school and other costs. (MSE)

This newsletter issue focuses on the roles played by higher education finance and student financial aid in ensuring broad access to higher education. Specifically, the report discusses trends in family income and college costs that affect the need for student aid. The report finds that income remains a primary determinant of students' educational…