The issue of adequate funding permeates all legislation reported by state directors as significantly affecting community colleges in 1976, as state legislatures are increasingly reluctant to meet funding needs. Related issues include reorganization of governance structures, statewide coordination, institutional growth, enrollment limitations,…

Applies economic theory to questions concerning the public financing of two-year colleges. Highlights two analytical constructs used in recommending educational policy: the principle of externalities and the theory of human capital. Considers the effect of academic/vocational program mix on educational financing and issues of equity and access.…

Offers a set of criteria for evaluating the impact of state funding plans on the diversity of a college's mission; educational quality, outcomes, and effectiveness; educational access and equity; and "fair share" divisions of resources. Considers alternatives to enrollment-based funding. (DMM)

Describes a study of the institutional adaptations and strategies employed by community colleges in minimizing the problems associated with changes in sources of revenue. Summarizes findings based on a literature review and a survey of college presidents. Recommends strategies for adjusting to funding changes. (AYC)

Explores trends in the state role in community college funding and college responses to those trends, underscoring the need for an improved funding formula model. Identifies specific goals and components of such a model, covering areas including governance, budgeting standards, tuition pricing, community education, and state and institutional…

Discusses the special funding problems of small/rural two-year colleges, whose main supporters are the state and private donors. Reviews funding options and models, various formulas, and criteria. Suggests the differentiated flat grant as a funding approach and that specific formula dimensions be determined legislatively. (DMM)

Describes Office of Education directly funded and specialized programs for special adult populations, emphasizing projects for which community colleges can readily apply. Also lists programs funded through state departments of education. (JG)

Discusses the interdistrict inequities that exist in financing community colleges in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Mississippi--four states in which districts contribute substantial revenues to local institutions. Links the problems of equity and adequacy that are intensified by increasing costs, declining enrollments, and the increase of…

Reviews the literature on trends in community college finance, focusing on trends in support patterns, expenditures, state funding, tuition, student loans and default rates, adult education funding, federal support, and comparable practices in other nations. (DMM)

Describes the comparator-based funding model currently used in eight states for financing community colleges. Reviews the main features of the model and recommends the application of a new comparator-based funding framework that represents still another step to building a more accountable approach to funding community colleges in the state system.…