Resource Allocation Patterns at U.S. Community Colleges: An Evaluation of Priorities, Efficiency and the Historical Mission 1981-82 Through 1986-87

• Main Author: Morrison, Douglas B.
• Format: Others
• Published: PDXScholar 1989
• Subjects: Community colleges > United States > Administration; Community colleges > United States > Finance
• Online Access: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1138; https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2137&context=open_access_etds

Over a six-year period, this study compares the demonstrated priorities and efficiency of 328 U.S. community colleges to the historical mission of community colleges which includes the goals of unrestricted student access, service to many students, and the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality, low-cost educational programs. Sample data was provided by NACUBO for 328 institutions (out of a U.S. population of 770) reporting in both 1981-82 and 1986-87. The study compares the 1986-87 resource allocation patterns for each institution to the 1981-82 patterns for that same institution. Measurements include the level, mix, and rate of change in F.T.E. student enrollments, square footage, market penetration, the number of full-time faculty, F.T.E. faculty, support staff, and expenditures for Direct Instruction, Instructional Support, Student Services, Institutional Support, and Plant Operations. 2 Summary data is presented for the sample as a whole and separately by state for institutions with enrollment growth and for institutions wi th enrollment decline. Over the six-year period, sample institutions received $1.4 billion in incremental revenues. Classroom teaching received 43.1 cents of every incremental dollar, ranked fourth out of five expenditure categories in rate of expenditure growth and fell from 50.5% of total expenditures to 48.4%. Square footage and F.T.E. support staff increased 9.3% and 13.2% respectively while F.T.E. student enrollments and the number of full-time faculty declined 2.9% and 2.4% respectively. By 1986-87 fewer F.T.E. students and a smaller percentage of service area populations were served by fewer full-time teachers, at higher cost by substantially more square footage and support staff. The study concludes that these patterns are inefficient and inconsistent with the historical mission of community colleges.