Michigan: A Smart State for Women? Women and Higher Education

This report examines the importance of education to women and the effects of tuition, state and federal aid programs, child care, and welfare policies on Michigan women's access to higher education. Sections of the report address the following issues: (1) why the education of women matters, noting that postsecondary education is the primary means of training women for long-term, high-wage employability; (2) the need for an educated work force to help Michigan meet business needs, reduce unemployment, decrease poverty, and strengthen families; (3) education levels of Michigan women, noting that Michigan women enter higher education institutions at a high rate but rank lower in completion rates; (4) who pays for postsecondary education in Michigan, examining scholarships and grant programs; (5) why Michigan tuition is high, reviewing public college revenues from state appropriations; (6) how the availability of child care affects educational opportunity, examining how lack of appropriate child care burdens student parents; and (7) why welfare reform limits poor women's educational opportunities. Policy recommendations regarding education, financial aid, child care, and welfare are offered. (Contains 60 references.) (SM)