Administrative bloat in higher education refers to the growth in non-academic staff and services within higher education institutions at a rate that exceeds the growth in the student population or the academic faculty, which leads to a significant increase in tuition costs for students. Administrative Bloat in higher education has become a growing concern in recent years in the United States and other countries. According to a report by the Goldwater Institute, administrative staff at American universities increased by 60% between 1993 and 2007, while the number of faculty members only increased by 23%. This trend has persisted over the years, leading to a disproportionate ratio of administrators to faculty members. The main drivers of this phenomenon include:
Rise in the number of non-academic staff: American universities have experienced substantial growth in non-academic staff, such as administrators and support staff, resulting in increased overall costs.
Bureaucracy and red tape: Universities are often caught up in complex bureaucratic processes and red tape, adding to the costs of running the institution and hindering and slowing down decision-making.
Growing demand for services: With a growing student population, universities face a heightened demand for services, including housing, food services, and health care, leading to an increase in administrative staff to manage these areas.
Competition among universities: The competition among universities to attract and retain students, educators, and funding has led to increased spending on administrative functions, such as marketing and branding, to remain competitive.
Lack of transparency and accountability: There is often a lack of transparency and accountability in university spending, making it difficult for universities to prioritize spending on academic programs over administrative functions.
Overall, administrative bloat in higher education in the USA has significant financial and operational impacts on universities and international students. The impact on international students can be even more prominent. They may face high tuition costs, language barriers, and other cultural differences, making the administrative process even more difficult and time-consuming.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that administrative spending has a negative impact on student outcomes, including graduation rates and academic achievement. The study found that a 10% increase in administrative spending was associated with a 2.3% decrease in six-year graduation rates. Furthermore, the study found a greater negative impact on low-income and minority students.
This shows that the administrative bloat in higher education has a real impact on international students. It makes the university bureaucracy much more complex and difficult to navigate, negatively impacting student outcomes. It is, thus, important for universities to address the issue of administrative bloat and find ways to streamline their administrative processes.
impact on Indian students
As international students, Indian students in the US might face a significant impact of the administrative bloat. Trends show that the cost of higher education in the United States has steadily risen over the years, disproportionately affecting international students, including Indians. According to the Institute of International Education report, international students contributed $41 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018-2019. Indian students accounted for the largest share, with $7.6 billion.
Despite their economic contributions, international students face many challenges in the United States, most complaining about the rising tuition costs and living expenses. One big reason behind the increase in their tuition fee is the administrative bloat. According to a National Center for Education Statistics report, administrative expenses at colleges and universities increased by 65% between 2006 and 2016, outpacing the growth in spending on instruction and research.
For many Indian students, this increase in tuition costs poses a major financial burden and may discourage them from pursuing their studies in the United States. It also puts pressure on them to work multiple part-time jobs, negatively impacting their academic performance and overall well-being because they get too overworked.
Therefore, administrative bloat can have the following impacts on Indian students:
Increased Costs: The increasing number of administrative staff can drive up tuition fees and other costs, making it less affordable for students.
Reduced access to resources: International students might find it difficult to access academic and student support services due to increased resource competition.
Delays: Bureaucratic procedures and red tape can lead to delays and roadblocks in enrollment, visa application, and other processes, making it more difficult for international students to complete their studies on time.
Quality of education: The focus on administrative processes and the growth of bureaucracy can detract from the quality of education offered at universities.
sources
Foster, Phil. "Opinion | Higher Education Can Rediscover Its Purpose." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 08 Sept. 2022. Web. 24 Mar. 2023.
Freedman, Sam. "International Students Aren't the Problem, Higher Education Is Underfunded." New Statesman. 22 Aug. 2022. Web. 24 Mar. 2023.
Leef, George. "Administrative Bloat in Higher Education Is Not a Myth." National Review. National Review, 22 Aug. 2022. Web. 24 Mar. 2023.
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