STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIXING TUITION AND FEES: COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTIONS

The increased difference in tuition and fees between public community colleges and undergraduate institutions has increased significantly since 1950, with changes being most distinct in the past decade. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of tuition differential between public institution types (TUDI) to governing entities statutorily responsible for the development of tuition and fee policy. In discussing descriptive differences, it was observed that, on average, states' systems were promoting affordable entry points to postsecondary education. This was done via both the lowest prices and the smallest difference in pricewhen compared to other governing entities. Findings and implications were discussed.