Determinants of Public Support for Fee-Contracts in Uzbekistan's Higher Education

Abstract

This study examines the impact of fee-contract funding (FCF) systems on state higher education (SHES) in Uzbekistan, addressing a gap in existing literature that has primarily focused on standard tuition fees and state subsidies without exploring fee contracts, especially in emerging markets. Using a logistic regression analysis on survey data from 120 participants, the study aims to identify predictors influencing policy support for fee contracts. Findings indicate that income level and education are the strongest predictors of policy favorability, while cultural factors elevate support for "fee contract will make college access easier" as a predictor, though with weaker direct effects. Age and private sector contributions, though correlated with the outcome, were not statistically significant. These results suggest that policy elites in high-income and educated groups favor FCF systems, yet promoting fee contracts as accessibility-enhancing may garner broader support. The study underscores the need for policy interventions and expanded financial aid to promote equitable access, recommending further research into the long-term social and economic effects of fee contracts in similar contexts.