Do Resource Allocation Decisions Really Make a Difference?
This study attempted to: (1) explore the enrollment patterns, enrollment goals, and expenditure demand ratios among Presbyterian-related colleges and universities; (2) determine the relationships between resource allocations in the form of expenditure demand ratios and enrollment goals; and (3) determine relationships between expenditure demand ratios and the enrollment patterns at those institutions. The following data were collected from 65 member institutions of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities: selected institutional characteristics and enrollment goals; total student fall enrollment and enrollment by race for 5 years (1982, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991); allocation figures for instruction, academic support, student services, and scholarships and fellowships; and total educational and general revenues for those same years. Findings included the following: expenditures on instruction tended to be 30 percent or higher at large institutions (with enrollments over 1,
