Counting the Cost

Higher education (HE) systems in Asia have expanded rapidly over the past decade. This includes the rise of private HE institutions (HEIs) and privatization of public sector HEIs. This HE massification has stretched the capacity of governments and agencies to address the cost, financing, equity, and quality implications of expansion. This publication reviews the key aspects of HE costs and financing, considering Asia's framework on inclusive growth from the perspective of disadvantaged students such as the poor, women, ethnic minorities, and students from rural areas.