Degree Name
Master of Arts
Graduate Program
Economics
Advisor
Gilbert, Scott D.
Abstract
This study analyzes the economic and institutional determinants of full-time equivalent enrollment (FTEE) at 4-year colleges in the United States and public universities in Illinois. This research examines Tuition and Fees (TAF), the average price of in-state and out-of-state costs (AVGprice), the percent of first-time students awarded financial aid (Faper), the student-to-faculty ratio (STF), and the average salary of all instructional staff (avgsalALL). The data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) throughout the years 2009 to 2022. The study examines how enrollment decisions are affected by different institutional characteristics by comparing national trends to enrollment patterns at 12 public universities in Illinois.
The examination gives understanding on how higher tuition and fees impact enrollment and how much financial aid helps alleviate the financial strain on students. Furthermore, the study explores how increased prices signal perceived quality and its impact on student demand. The findings indicate that although financial aid is crucial for maintaining enrollment numbers, faculty salary and student-to-faculty ratios also have a significant impact on how appealing an institution is. This study enhances comprehension of enrollment patterns and provides policy suggestions to tackle enrollment obstacles at the national and state levels.