Influences of differential tuition and a means-tested no-loan program on college major choice

Green, Kerri Ann

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125582 Copy

Description

Title

Influences of differential tuition and a means-tested no-loan program on college major choice

Author(s)

Green, Kerri Ann

Issue Date

2024-07-09

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Baber, Lorenzo

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

• Baber, Lorenzo
• Delaney, Jennifer

Committee Member(s)

• Ward Hood, Denice
• Nelson, Jennifer
• Ruedas-Gracia, Nidia

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• higher education
• college affordability
• tuition pricing
• differential tuition
• free college
• no-loan program
• Illinois Commitment
• major choice

Abstract

This study explores the influence of differential tuition and no-loan programs, such as Illinois Commitment, on undergraduate major choice. Tuition pricing, specifically differential tuition, and no-loan programs related to affordability are essential to understand, as they guide the study. While tuition pricing may be a deterrent for many lower-income students and their families, understanding financial aid and the benefits of attending college can positively impact their decision-making (G. A. Berg, 2016; Hillman, 2013; Perna & Li, 2006; Perna & Thomas, 2009). Differential tuition was created and introduced for different purposes based on the campus, and one of those reasons was to assist in off-setting costs of majors that require more to educate their students. However, now it also is associated with high-demand majors (Leslie & Brinkman, 1987; Nelson, 2008; Stange, 2015). The implementation of no-loan programs such as Illinois Commitment has been helpful in creating access for lower-income students not only to higher education but also to majors that utilize differential tuition models (de Gayardon, 2018a, 2018b; Hillman, 2013). This study is conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) specifically within two units: the Gies College of Business and the Division of General Studies. This qualitative phenomenological study interviewed 12 undergraduate students and six undergraduate professional academic advisors, equally representing the sites of this study. Additionally, students’ receipt of Illinois Commitment or no Illinois Commitment is equally represented across the participants. This dissertation study is grounded in Schlutz’s (1961) and Becker’s (1962) human capital theory which informed the research questions and the interview protocols. Analysis of the data resulted in four key interconnected themes: 1) Financial Awareness of Undergraduate Students; 2) Tuition as an Investment; 3) Financial Support Systems; and 4) Non-Financial Support Systems. The findings suggest that students perceive majors that have a tuition differential to have opportunities, benefits, and advantages over other majors. Additionally, the findings indicate that students are aware of financial factors that influence their major choices and that financial systems are key to their access in higher education. However, students in receipt of Illinois Commitment were allowed to be less concerned about tuition costs. In addition, students who do not receive Illinois Commitment attempt to find alternative routes to the major of their choice as well as financial support to afford higher-priced majors so they can gain the perceived benefits of those majors.

Graduation Semester

2024-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125582

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Kerri Green

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