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The U.S. higher education system is still the envy of the world, but it must become more affordable for the next generation. It must also become more innovative and adaptable, especially in its use of technology, and be more productive with regard to graduation rates. Finally, additional funding must be available from federal, state, and private-sector sources to reach the goal.


Part of a series of papers from The National Commission on Financing 21st Century Higher Education exploring different dimensions of higher education policy and funding. The series ultimately will include 10 papers. These first four papers focus on the outlook for states’ spending, transformations affecting higher education, lessons from other countries, and best practices in state finance policy.