Voluntary Higher Education Programs in the Department of Defense

A limited review of the Department of Defense's (DOD) higher education programs revealed the need for reevaluation of the programs. Fiscal year 1978 enrollments in off-duty or part-time education programs were estimated at 800,000 at a cost to the Federal Government of over $86 million. The programs were developed independently to meet each service's special needs, but few efforts were made to modify or cancel programs in accordance with those needs. The services are incurring additional costs in their overseas programs by contracting separately for educational programs with stateside institutions of higher education. Contract award and administration functions are duplicated and, in at least one case, higher prices were paid for the same services. DOD should consider consolidating the programs which rely on public and private institutions and simplifying the administrative overhead structure with a view toward cost reductions.