Analyzing the Impact of Performance-Based Funding on Enrollment, Selectivity, Outcomes, and Finance in Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• In Event: Accountability to What: Institution Responses to Shifting Equity Landscapes

Abstract

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) perform a pivotal role in educating and graduating Black students. This study explores the impact of one popular state-level accountability measure, performance-based funding (PBF) on HBCUs. Using a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences estimation strategy, I find a negative relationship between PBF policies and the enrollment of Black students, particularly Black males, with a decrease of 10 percent. Additionally, Black male completion of bachelor’s degrees fell by 22 percent.

Author

• William Casey Boland, Baruch College - CUNY