Political Representation and the Distribution of Federal Spending to Institutions of Higher Education

• In Event: 45.092 - MTCC Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 45.092-9 - Politics of Postsecondary Education and Education Funding

Abstract

This study utilizes a longitudinal dataset to assess the role of political power and representation in the distribution of federal funds to institutions of higher education. Leveraging institutionally-reported data over a period of 29 years - spanning five presidencies, and multiple periods of divided and unified government (under both parties) – the study finds compelling evidence that institutions receive greater amounts of federal funding when they are represented by politicians in power – especially when they are represented by senators in the same political party as the president. Furthermore, the data used allow for a broad consideration of federal funding, as opposed to narrower types of funding (such as earmarks), as often consider by other studies in the field.

Author

• Walter G. Ecton, University of Michigan