Financing Higher Education: A Comprehensive Guide for Doctoral Students

Question 1

Public research universities typically receive a larger proportion of their funding from which of the following sources?

Accepted Answer

Federal research grants

Answer

Tuition and fees

Answer

State appropriations

Answer

Private donations

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of endowment funds for higher education institutions?

Accepted Answer

To provide a source of ongoing income

Answer

To finance construction projects

Answer

To support research and development

Answer

To fund student scholarships

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the Higher Education Act of 1965?

Accepted Answer

To provide federal financial aid to students and institutions

Answer

To regulate accreditation of higher education institutions

Answer

To establish a national curriculum for higher education

Answer

To create a system of federal oversight for higher education

Question 4

What is the primary function of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the financing of higher education?

Accepted Answer

Collecting and disseminating financial data on higher education institutions

Answer

Setting financial standards for higher education institutions

Answer

Providing financial aid to students and institutions

Answer

Regulating accreditation of higher education institutions

Question 5

Identify the funding source NOT considered primary for public higher education institutions in the United States:

Accepted Answer

Philanthropic donations

Answer

State government allocations

Answer

Tuition and fees

Answer

Federal grants

Question 6

Which statement is NOT a goal outlined in the Higher Education Act of 1965?

Accepted Answer

Reducing the overall cost of higher education

Answer

Expanding access to higher education

Answer

Enhancing the quality of higher education

Answer

Promoting research and innovation

Question 7

How does the Pell Grant program directly enhance access to higher education for low-income students in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Provides financial aid to cover educational expenses, reducing financial barriers.

Answer

Sets quotas or preferences for low-income students in college admissions.

Answer

Requires colleges to offer discounted tuition rates for low-income students.

Answer

Offers job training and career counseling services to low-income students.

Question 8

The primary purpose of the Pell Grant is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide financial assistance to low-income students attending college.

Answer

Fund research and development at higher education institutions.

Answer

In incentivize colleges and universities to improve graduation rates.

Answer

Support the construction and maintenance of college facilities.

Question 9

An endowed scholarship differs from a merit-based scholarship in that it is:

Accepted Answer

Funded through investments rather than donations.

Answer

Endowed scholarships are awarded to students with financial need, while merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with academic achievement.

Question 10

Financial aid packaging aims to:

Accepted Answer

Create a personalized aid package meeting each student's needs.

Answer

Guarantee access to higher education regardless of financial background.

Question 11

Identify a valid criticism of the current financial aid system in higher education:

Accepted Answer

Financial aid often fails to cover the entire cost of college.

Accepted Answer

Financial aid applications can be complex and challenging to complete.

Answer

Financial aid fosters a culture of reliance.

Question 12

Identify a potential solution to the financial challenges confronting higher education in the United States:

Accepted Answer

Increase government funding

Accepted Answer

Control costs

Accepted Answer

Expand financial aid

Answer

Reduce college enrollment

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary source of funding for public higher education institutions in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Alumni donations

Answer

Tuition and fees

Answer

Government appropriations

Answer

State appropriations

Question 14

The concept of 'sticker price' in higher education refers to:

Accepted Answer

The total cost of attendance before any financial aid is applied.

Answer

The cost of room and board only.

Answer

The cost of tuition and fees only.

Question 15

The cost of higher education has been rising faster than inflation for:

Accepted Answer

Over 50 years.

Answer

Over 25 years.

Answer

Less than 10 years.

Answer

Only in the last 5 years.

Question 16

Which of the following is a criticism of the Pell Grant program?

Accepted Answer

It does not cover all the costs of attendance for low-income students.

Answer

It is only available to students attending public institutions.

Answer

It has strict eligibility requirements.

Question 17

The 'adjunct faculty problem' in higher education refers to:

Accepted Answer

The increasing reliance on part-time and non-tenure-track faculty.

Answer

The lack of diversity in faculty.

Answer

The high turnover rate of faculty.

Question 18

The 'Baumol cost disease' in higher education refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for costs in labor-intensive industries, such as higher education, to rise faster than inflation.

Answer

The tendency for the costs of new technologies to fall faster than inflation.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a traditional source of funding for higher education in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Corporate donations

Answer

Endowments

Answer

Tuition and fees

Answer

Government appropriations

Question 20

Which type of institution is typically the most expensive to attend?

Accepted Answer

Private, for-profit university

Answer

Public, four-year university

Answer

Public, two-year college

Answer

Private, non-profit university

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential solution to the challenges facing higher education finance?

Accepted Answer

Increasing funding from private sources

Answer

Reducing the number of students enrolled in higher education

Answer

Eliminating financial aid programs

Question 22

Which of the following is a goal of need-based financial aid?

Accepted Answer

To provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need.

Answer

To reward students for academic achievement

Answer

To encourage students to pursue higher education