In today's uncertain economy, states and regions are experiencing myriad workforce challenges. In the short run, layoffs and unemployment resulting from the current economic downturn dictate an immediate need for education and training to prepare workers for key occupations. In the long run, states and regions continue to exist in a global economy…

Countries in the Arab region are faced with the challenge of developing their populations' skills and technical knowledge, or human capital, in order to compete in the 21st century global economy. The authors describe the education and labor market initiatives implemented or under way in four countries in the Arab region -- Lebanon, Oman, Qatar,…

College officials attribute current low state support for higher education to a worsening national economy, and predict continued cost cutting and increased tension between public and private sectors. Trends also appear to be regional. Detailed data on state appropriations, including a ranking, are included. (MSE)

This report analyzes recent Census data on poverty and income for 1986. While the poverty rate declined slightly in 1986, it remained at an unusually high level for the fourth year of an economic recovery, and minority poverty rates remain far higher than those of the general population. The poor grew poorer in 1986, and the gap between rich and…

Royalties paid to universities in 1995 increased 12% over the previous year. The increase is attributed in part to federal legislation allowing institutions to patent inventions and discoveries resulting from federally-funded research. Data are based on a survey of 127 universities holding 4,272 licenses generating royalties. Licensing income and…

An annual national survey shows that state aid to public higher education in 1993-94 has increased in 36 states, with 9 receiving increases over 10%. However, appropriations have decreased 25% in California, 10% in Montana. Data on dollar appropriations and trends, by institution, are presented for each state. (MSE)

The text of "Student Loans: Are They Overburdening a Generation?", the report of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress concerning the impact of large student debts on the national economy, individual borrowers, education, and society in general is presented. (MSE)

Results of a national survey suggest a downturn in college investment returns is accompanied by reduced spending and concern that institutions will use endowment income rather than increase tuition. Endowments of 367 institutions are ranked and market values on June 30, 1989 and June 30, 1990 are listed. (MSE)

For the 1999 fiscal year, Congress earmarked specific spending measures that included at least $797 million for projects involving colleges and universities, a 51% increase over 1998. Earmarks are seen by some as inequitable because they are not subject to competitive, merit-based reviews typically used by federal agencies to distribute money for…

A weak stock market has resulted in lowered returns on college endowment investments. Many institutions had funds tied up in American stocks and bonds, which performed poorly. Although most institutions say their endowed programs or scholarships are not adversely affected, some programs are being reduced or eliminated as a result. (MSE)

Fiscal 1992 endowment investment income of major colleges and universities was four times the inflation rate for the same period and nearly twice the return of the previous year. Institutions made few changes in the way they invested their funds. Market values of 419 institutions' endowments in 1991 and 1992 are charted. (MSE)

A national survey of colleges and universities found that investment returns on endowment funds continued to be healthy and were slightly higher than the previous year. Market value of endowment assets and life income fund assets for 435 institutions in 1993 are detailed in tables, with some narrative analysis. (MSE)

During the Reagan and Bush administrations, many foundations supported causes they thought were being ignored by Washington. Now many of those causes are finding support in the Clinton administration, and foundations are turning to other issues. A ranking of the 50 largest foundations, based on 1991 grants and assets, is provided. (MSE)

Data are tabulated on the proportion of colleges and universities reporting institutional response to reports on curricular reform, use of measures of institutional effectiveness, methods of measurement, administrator attitudes about assessment, enrollment changes, and changes in institutional finances, for universities, four-year colleges,…

Data from an annual national survey indicate that college faculty salaries increased just 0.4 percent when adjusted for inflation, with variation by faculty rank and institution type. Recession and negative public opinion are blamed. Public college faculty salaries increased less than private college salaries, broadening an existing gap.…