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Effective Cost-Sharing Models in Higher Education: Insights from Low-Income Students in Australian Universities.
- Source :
-
Higher Education (00181560) . Jan2006, Vol. 51 Issue 1, p1-25. 25p. 1 Chart. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- This study examines the global trend in shifting university costs from national governments to individual students and families, with a specific focus on the existing cost-sharing model in Australian higher education. The research examines the manner in which the availability of income-contingent loans (through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, or HECS) enters into individual cost assessments and evaluative frameworks during the university exploration and search process of low-income Australian youth, and the resulting lessons that might be applied to other national contexts. Semi-structured interviews with 16 participants addressed a broad range of issues related to the development of educational aspirations, and how beliefs and attitudes about cost influenced participants’ understanding and decision-making regarding tertiary enrollment and post-graduate plans. A number of discreet and related themes emerged from analysis of the interviews, including motivations for attending university; pre-university cost considerations; self-assessments of skills, abilities, and personal traits and characteristics; general financial orientation; pre-university experiences and influences; and the role of others including family, peers, teachers and other school staff. The author concludes that the Australian system is worthy of consideration by other nations as a possible mechanism for enhancing access to higher education for individuals who might otherwise not possess the opportunity to participate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00181560
- Volume :
- 51
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Higher Education (00181560)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 19508988
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-004-6373-x