Efficiency of Liberal Arts Colleges: A DEA Analysis of Non-Elite LACs

Joshua C. Hall, Joylynn Pruitt and Daniel Bonneau
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Joshua C. Hall: West Virginia University, West Virginia, U.S.A.
Joylynn Pruitt: West Virginia University, West Virginia, U.S.A.
Daniel Bonneau: West Virginia University, West Virginia, U.S.A.

American Business Review, 2025, vol. 28, issue 2, 635-651

Abstract: The demographic cliff, the effects of COVID-19, and shifts in regional preferences for higher education pose an important threat to Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs). While other studies have examined the efficiency of top-ranked LACs, this paper examines the colleges most challenged by the current environment. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and 6-year graduation rate as the outcome of interest, our results show that the average LAC outside the top 100 ranked schools (according to U.S. News & World Report) operates at about 74 percent efficiency. Many schools within the sample score closer to 50 percent. These rankings are then evaluated as a function of school factors such as location, religious affiliation, varsity sports activity, and enrollment. Results show that suburban LACs with more majors offered, and lower enrollment are more efficient.

Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis; Higher Education; Liberal Arts Colleges (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I20 I23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:ambsrv:021864

DOI: 10.37625/abr.28.2.635-651

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