An investigation into the affordability of higher education in Islamabad

Abstract

The Affordability Of Higher Education In Islamabad", was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BBA, at Bahria Institute of Management and Computer Sciences, in 2004. Information about the research was gathered through _ questionnaires as well as direct interviews from the sample. The data collected through the questionnaires was analyzed and interpreted through frequency distributions and Mean. The statistical scales that are used in the questionnaire are Nominal and the Interval Scales. The result of this review, An Investigation Into The Affordability Of Higher Education In Islamabad, updates the National already extensive data on public attitudes about •higher education. This report supplements the findings of other reports on Affordability Higher Education. As previous .studies reveal, one of the most important concerns for the citizens of Pakistan regarding higher education is how to pay the rising cost of a college education. If the current fiscal conditions affecting the state--and higher education--continue, it is very likely that public concerns abo t the affordability of higher education will intensify. Surveys show that the public understands the need for education and training beyond high school. If recent experience is a reliable guide, the public is likely to insist that government. and higher education leaders find .ways to maintain access to affordable higher education •. In the view of most residents of Islamabad, it's very important for individuals to .receive a higher education._Preparation for jobs and career is seen as the primary role for higher education, but the public also stresses the importance of general skills such as maturity and getting along with others. Middle and Lower class parents stress the importance of college for their children at even higher rates than do s the population as a whole. Many residents of the •city, especially parents, are concerned about the price of higher education. Althougt they know very little about the details, they feel that rising prices threaten to make higher education inaccessible to many people. Despite all of the anxiety, however, they seem confident .that those who are sufficiently qualified and motivated are currently able to attend college. Parents of secondary school students are optimistic that their children will be able to get a higher education. There is public support for a government role in making college affordable, but the public does not think that this area should be a major priority for government attention. They fell that it is more important for government to intervene in ther areas (such as health care, retirement, or the environment) in which people really cannot cope without government support. The public supports financial aid generally, and gives most support to tax breaks and work-study. Although he public has not - thought through the complexities of higher education financing, Residents of Islamabad are opposed to approaches that reduce access either by raising tuition or admitting fewer students. They are more sympathetic to approaches that emphasize greater contributions from the state 9r savings by colleges themselves. The findings of the research tell a fairly clear story. We found high levels of concern about the rising price of a higher education. At IV the same. time, most people agree with the idea that anyone who really wants a college education can get one. If people are really worried about college prices, one would expect to see less optimism about access. The public feels that qualified and motivated students ought to be able to attain• a college education, and a significant majority agrees that government has an important role to play in making higher education •accessible, especially by providing tax breaks and work-study opportunities for young people. But strong support for a government role in this area seems to evaporate when people compare it to other important priorities.