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Accountability at the Expense of Equity? Investigating Intended and Unintended Consequences of Performance Based-Funding in Hispanic-Serving Institutions

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  • William Casey Boland

    (Baruch College- City University of New York)

Abstract

Higher education accountability enjoys widespread support amongst state policymakers. This study explores the effect of one popular state-level public policy accountability measure- performance-based funding (PBF)- on Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI). Though extensive research exists on the role of PBF in U.S. postsecondary education, little of it focuses on HSIs. Using an institution-year panel dataset constructed from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the Office of Postsecondary Education, InformEd States, and other sources, I use recent advances in econometric analysis to draw credibly causal results for the impact of PBF on college-level outcome measures, enrollment composition, and selectivity in HSIs. The primary findings from this study include a negative effect on Hispanic bachelor’s degree attainment in public four-year HSIs and Hispanic associate degree attainment in public two-year HSIs. Though this study focuses on HSIs, these findings are relevant for all U.S. higher education leaders, public policymakers, and researchers exploring public accountability efforts with equity implications.

Suggested Citation

  • William Casey Boland, 2025. "Accountability at the Expense of Equity? Investigating Intended and Unintended Consequences of Performance Based-Funding in Hispanic-Serving Institutions," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 66(4), pages 1-35, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reihed:v:66:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11162-025-09842-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11162-025-09842-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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