This ambitious book grows out of the realization that a convergence of economic, demographic, and political forces in the early twenty-first century requires a fundamental reexamination of the financing of American higher education. The authors identify and address basic issues and trends that cut across the sectors of higher education, focusing on such questions as how much higher education the country needs for individual opportunity and for economic viability in the future; how responsibility for paying for it is currently allocated; and how financing higher education should be addressed in the future. A major statement by four leading figures within the field, this is an indispensable book at a time of heightened national concern about the future of higher education. "Complacency about the strength of higher education greatly threatens future prosperity and the quality of life in the United States. Financing American Higher Education identifies the principal challenge of broadly increasing educational attainment, and it offers a clear and encyclopedic view of the policies and practices that must change to meet it. Political and educational leaders of the 21st century need to read this book." - Paul E. Lingenfelter, president, State Higher Education Executive Officers "The U.S. higher education financing system faces serious challenges. This very readable book looks clearly at these challenges, and it is packed with data and a deep understanding of the history of higher education in America. The authors' agenda for change deserves serious consideration by anyone interested in the future of higher education." - Robert Archibald, chancellor professor of economics, College of William and Mary "American higher education faces an accountability revolution driven by cost, competition, technology, and globalization. Financing American Higher Education presents the historical context, the current policy challenges, and a future agenda for this vital sector of the American economy. If you care about how our nation invests in our future human capital, you will find this book indispensable." - Charles Kolb, president, Committee for Economic Development William Zumeta is a professor in the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and the College of Education at the University of Washington and a fellow at the TIAA-CREF Institute. David W. Breneman is university professor, Newton and Rita Meyers Professor in Economics of Education, and former dean of the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Patrick M. Callan is president of the Higher Education Policy Institute. Joni E. Finney is a professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and vice president of the Higher Education Policy Institute.

William Zumeta is a professor in the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and the College of Education at the University of Washington and a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.