Key issues for public higher education and reaction of various states to deal with the problems caused by fiscal constraints are addressed. The following four problems are considered: (1) enrollment decline; (2) enrollment fluctuation, regardless of the enrollment trend; (3) changes in the student body composition; and (4) budgetary reductions in…

The California Guaranteed Student Loan Program is described, and information is provided on the characteristics of student borrowers. Attention is also directed to: the effect of students' total accumulated indebtedness on their education and careers; California's default rates compared with those of other states; differences among institutions in…

The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) allows a 16-or-17 year old who passes it to leave school as early as age 16, with parental permission, earning the legal equivalent of a diploma. The exam focuses on basic reading and computing skills. In this study, a variety of findings are reported. School districts have a budgetary…