American higher education is often understood as a vehicle for social advancement. However, the institutions at which students enroll differ widely from one another. Some enjoy tremendous endowment savings and/or collect resources via research, which then offsets the funds that students contribute. Other institutions rely heavily on student tuition payments. These schools may struggle to remain solvent, and their students often bear the lion’s share of educational costs. Unequal Higher Education identifies and explains the sources of stratification that differentiate colleges and universities in the United States. Barrett J. Taylor and Brendan Cantwell use quantitative analysis to map the contours of this system. They then explain the mechanisms that sustain it and illustrate the ways in which rising institutional inequality has limited individual opportunity, especially for students of color and low-income individuals. 

BARRETT J. TAYLOR is an associate professor of higher education at the University of North Texas in Denton. He is the coeditor of Higher Education, Stratification, and Workforce Development: Competitive Advantage in Europe, the US, and Canada.
 
BRENDAN CANTWELL is an associate professor of higher, adult, and lifelong education at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He is the coeditor of High Participation Systems of Higher Education.

“Unequal Higher Education is well-conceptualized, rigorous, and thought-provoking—a welcome addition to higher education literature. This book is a must-read.”

" Recommended."

"A well-researched, thoughtful, thorough, and convincing argument that not only adds to the current literature but calls for the current stewards and beneficiaries of higher education to take action to correct the climate and course of unequal higher education."

“This book gives an in-depth description of the unique challenges and benefits associated with each type of institution, including the recent and detrimental emergence of Vulnerable institutions….a necessary read not only for higher education stakeholders, but also the general public.”

“To reverse inequality, Taylor and Cantwell make the case for less – not more – competition in higher education. Their analysis is convincing and gives a much needed update to the literature."