Geographical Network Analysis and Spatial Econometrics as Tools to Enhance Our Understanding of Student Migration Patterns and Benefits in the U.S. Higher Education Network

Abstract

This study measures the extent to which student outmigration outside the 4-year sector takes place and posits that the benefits from attracting non-resident students exist regardless of sector of enrollment. The study also provides empirical evidence about the relevance of employing geographical network analysis (GNA) and spatial econometrics in [higher] education research. When applied to student migration, GNA enabled the visualization and analysis of complex (virtuous cyclical) dynamics in non-resident student exchanges. Findings revealed that states’ preponderance in attracting non-resident students is both explained by their propensity to export their resident students out-of-state while it simultaneously affected non-resident tuition variation.