Ireland

A Cautionary Tale About Free Tuition

Authors

  • Arthur M. Hauptman

Keywords:

Ireland, Irish higher education, free tuition, attainment rates

Abstract

Irish higher education has had a mixed experience since 1995, when tuition was eliminated for full-time undergraduates. Enrollments have doubled, the completion rate has remained high, and the attainment rate has tripled (although mostly a function of well-educated foreign workers settling in Ireland). But equity remains a problem and boom-and-bust funding tied to the economy has contributed to quality concerns. Lessons for countries considering free tuition regimens include that sustained funding is critical to success. 

Author Biography

Arthur M. Hauptman

Arthur M. Hauptman is an independent public policy consultant specializing in higher education finance issues. Email: art.hauptman@yahoo.com

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Published

2021-10-11

How to Cite

Hauptman, A. . (2021). Ireland: A Cautionary Tale About Free Tuition. International Higher Education, (108), 34–35. Retrieved from https://ejournals.bc.edu/index.php/ihe/article/view/14465

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Articles