Baum, S. & Schwartz, S. Is college affordable? In search of a meaningful definition. Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), Washington, DC, 2012. Pages: 12.

This brief discussion paper published in July examines the issues surrounding the relationship between the current tough economic climate and the meaning of “affordable” when it comes to pursuing further education. It warns policy makers against a simplistic reading of the problem as tuition and living expenses compared with family income, and effectively uses the examples from areas of housing and health care to increase our understanding on what factors are determining whether, when, and for whom college is affordable.

IHEP