Economic Insights on Higher Education Policy in Ireland : Evidence From a Public System

Annotation This book brings together research relating to the economics of higher education in Ireland and presents evidence that will help support policy decision making. It provides an analysis of prominent issues within the higher education sector from an economic viewpoint, discussing the relevant theory and offering an empirical analysis. The book examines three broad themes with a specific focus on issues related to undergraduate education: participation and preferences, progression and outcomes, and benefits and financing. Each chapter presents an accessible, non-specialist analysis of the topic of interest, making it relevant to a wider audience. In doing so, the book provides an important addition to our current knowledge and understanding of higher education in Ireland from an economic perspective. Key chapters discuss the factors influencing institution choices, student retention in higher education, and policy debates surrounding student finance. The book will serve as a useful and up-to-date resource for policymakers, researchers, academics and students across a range of disciplines, both in Ireland and internationally Front Matter....Pages i-xxi Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Economics and Higher Education Policy....Pages 3-24 Front Matter....Pages 25-25 The Economics of Higher Education Participation....Pages 27-52 A Spatial Economic Perspective on Higher Education Choices....Pages 53-80 Factors Influencing Higher Education Institution Choice....Pages 81-108 Front Matter....Pages 109-109 Student Retention in Higher Education....Pages 111-141 Access Programmes and Higher Education Outcomes....Pages 143-164 Overeducation in the Irish Labour Market....Pages 165-196 Front Matter....Pages 197-197 The Economic Impact of Higher Education Institutions....Pages 199-219 The Returns to Third Level Education....Pages 221-245 Student Financing of Higher Education....Pages 247-272 Back Matter....Pages 273-284