A Design for Higher Education Panel Survey on Trends Affecting the Financial Condition of Higher Education.

The study identifies specific financial indicators for higher education, indicates the recommended source of data, and suggests a survey for the Higher Education Panel that could be used to supplement the data. The use of the indicators is explored and it is explained that the indicators allow the grouping of institutions for comparative analysis. A model of institutional financial flows is provided and actions that institutions can take to ameliorate the effects of fiscal constraints are identified. The proposed survey has 12 questions with a total of 32 requested responses. The components of an institution's resources are discussed, and include such areas as financial assets, faculty, administrators, students, facilities, and reputation. A list of 21 indicators in four categories--financial resources, estimated risk, changes affecting financial resources, and changes in nonfinancial resources--is provided. Extensive appendices include such items as a list of financial indicator research publications, the proposed Higher Education Panel survey, and the correspondence with national higher education financial health experts regarding the proposed survey. (PHR)