Mission Statement Center for College Affordability and ProductivityCCAP_33fa1632-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf5Founded in 2006, The Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP) is dedicated to researching the rising costs and stagnant efficiency in higher education, with special emphasis on the United States. CCAP seeks to facilitate a broader dialogue on the issues and problems facing the institutions of higher education with the public, policy makers, and the higher education community.Institutions of Higher Education in the United StatesColleges in the United StatesThe PublicPolicy Makers Higher Education CommunityRichard Vedder, Ph.D.Director -- Richard K. Vedder studies higher education financing, labor economics, immigration, government fiscal policy and income inequality. A distinguished professor of economics at Ohio University, he is the author of several books, including Going Broke by Degree, and The Wal-Mart Revolution: How Big Box Stores Benefit Consumers, Workers, and the Economy (with Wendell Cox). Dr. Vedder earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois.Joshua Hall, Ph.D.Associate Director -- Joshua C. Hall is an assistant professor in the Department of Economics at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. He earned his bachelor and master degrees from Ohio University and his Ph.D. from West Virginia University. Formerly an economist for the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress, he is a co-author of the widely-cited Economic Freedom of the World reports. In addition, he is author of over 40 articles in journals such as the Atlantic Economic Journal, Cato Journal, Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Journal of Economic Education, Journal of Labor Research, Southern Economic David Ridpath, Ed.D.Faculty Fellow -- David Ridpath is an assistant professor of sports administration at Ohio University and the past president of the Drake Group. Dr. Ridpath is an expert on issues involving intercollegiate athletics and is the author of the new book, Tainted Glory: Marshall University, the NCAA, and One Man’s Fight for Justice. He is regularly quoted in the popular press, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, The Chronicle of Higher Education and ESPN’s “Outside the Lines.”Vance Fried, J.D.Faculty Fellow -- Vance Fried is Riata Professor of Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University. He has published extensively on the venture capital industry and management of firms financed by venture capital. Prior to joining the faculty at Oklahoma State, Fried was an attorney in private practice. He received a J.D. from the University of Michigan.Ronald L. Trowbridge, Ph.DSenior Fellow -- Ronald L. Trowbridge has a Ph. D in English from the University of Michigan. He ran the Fulbright Program for the U. S. government, was a tenured full professor, a vice president at Hillsdale College, and editor of the Michigan Academician. He wrote a book on Chief Justice Warren Burger, for whom he was chief of staff.Daniel BennettResearch Associate -- Daniel Bennett is a Research Fellow with CCAP. He is also an economics doctoral student at Florida State University and holds a master’s degree in applied economics from Ohio University.Jonathan RobeResearch and Administrative Associate -- Jonathan Robe has been a research associate at CCAP since August 2010 and was previously a student research assistant at CCAP. He has co-authored studies for CCAP ranging in topic from college rankings to the status of higher education in the state of Georgia.Christopher DenhartChief Student Research Assistant -- Christopher Denhart has been a Research Assistant at CCAP since August 2008. He is a sophomore at Ohio University studying Mathematics and Economics. He also has a strong interest in the Arts and is a member of the Singing Men of Ohio, the men’s choir at Ohio University.Daniel GarrettStudent Research Assistant -- Daniel Garrett is a freshman studying Finance and Accounting at Ohio University. He is a member of the Honors Tutorial College and has an interest in business economics.Daniel BorzellecaStudent Research Assistant -- Daniel Borzelleca is a junior studying accounting at the Honors Tutorial College of Ohio University. He grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and is a fan of the three Pittsburgh professional sports teams. He hopes to pursue a career as a CPA.Michael KoslenStudent Research Assistant -- Michael Koslen has been a student research assistant at CCAP since August 2010. He is a Junior at Ohio University working to obtain Majors in Economics, Political Science, and a Certificate in Jewish Studies._33fa1aa6-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf5To research the rising costs and stagnant efficiency in higher education._33fa1b8c-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf5Affordability“Affordability” means not only rising tuition and other costs to the consumer of education services, but more broadly the burden that colleges impose on society. Productivity“Productivity” refers not only to the costs and resources needed to educate students and perform research, but also to the measurement and quality of educational outcomes. Market-Based ImprovementFind new ways to do things better – to improve affordability and productivity. _33fa1c0e-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51In particular, we are interested assessing how the use of the forces of the market could make higher education more affordable and qualitatively better. Currently, our research agenda includes the following areas: Student Financial Aid Policy_33fa1c7c-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51.1Rising Costs of College_33fa1cfe-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51.2Causes of Higher Education Inefficiencies_33fa1d76-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51.3Productivity of Staff and Faculty Members _33fa1df8-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51.4For-Profit Higher Education_33fa1e7a-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51.5Accreditation_33fa1ef2-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf51.6DisseminationDisseminate our findings._33fa1f74-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf52CCAP disseminates its findings in many ways, such as through written studies, conferences, opinion pieces, electronic media interviews, and a blog. We welcome comments and dissenting views from all readers._33fa206e-c207-11e1-8e9e-a141095a1bf52012-06-29http://centerforcollegeaffordability.org/about/mission-statementOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net