The purpose of this three-essay dissertation is to explore important topics in higher education. In 2010, the Department of Education proposed the controversial Gainful Employment (GE) Regulations that represent a major shift in federal policy and raises the question of the future of higher education. Under GE, certain institutions, mainly for-profit, are required to disclose information about student outcomes and to ensure graduates are meeting the debt to earnings ratios dictated in the regulations. Institutions that fail to meet the requirements risk losing eligibility for financial aid. The first two essays explore the preliminary impact of GE on enrollment and institutional expenditures. Another important topic in higher education is the importance of mentoring. Essay three explores faculty mentoring within schools of public affairs and asks which factors contribute to effective mentoring programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]