An Introduction to Education Finance and Budgeting
EDU BA043
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
***ONLY OFFERED FOR OEL STUDENTS***This course provides a comprehensive overview of education finance, equipping students with the skills to navigate the complex financial landscape of both K-12 and higher education institutions. Students will analyze core financial statements, learn strategic budgeting, and evaluate institutional performance using key financial metrics. The curriculum emphasizes strategic decision-making by exploring critical tradeoffs, risk management, and ROI analysis for educational programs and capital projects. Through a combination of case studies and practical exercises, students will develop the communication skills necessary to advocate for resources and align financial strategies with academic priorities.
Each session of this course is designed to build upon the last. By the end of J-Term, you will develop your competencies in:
Understanding the economic models that drive K-12 and higher education, and the forces impacting financial health and sustainability of the field.
Reading and analyzing financial statements and assessing financial health, a vital competency for all education leaders.
Identifying the key levers and tools that will support effective financial decision making.
Applying your financial skills to real world education institutions in the US.
Communicating the ‘story behind the numbers’ in simple and compelling ways.
Strategically investing financial resources in ways that further you organization’s mission and vision.
This course does not have any prerequisites other than basic algebra and a willingness to work hard.
Class Notes
Please note that students may add, drop, or change the grading basis for J-Term courses in My.Harvard until January 5th. Beginning January 6th, students who wish to drop a J-Term course and have the DRP removed from their transcript must email registrar@gse.harvard.edu. This request must be submitted before 6:00pm on 1/7/2026.
