The Bell Tolls for Higher Ed
Writing four centuries ago, John Donne memorably opined, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” He … Continue reading “The Bell Tolls for Higher Ed”
Author Profile
Richard K. Vedder
Richard K. Vedder is Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute and Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Economics at Ohio University; and he is the Founding Director of the Center for College Affordability and Productivity in Washington, D.C. A prominent voice in current movements for reform of higher education, Vedder served on the Secretary of Education’s Commission on the Future of Higher Education and is the author of Going Broke By Degree: Why College Costs Too Much.Articles by Richard K. Vedder
Introduce More Market Incentives into Higher Education
When most decisions regarding the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services are made by private individuals or businesses operating in a market environment, society tends to be prosperous, … Continue reading “Introduce More Market Incentives into Higher Education”
Divesting from Israel Is Not Just Wrong but Stupid
Clearly, the most newsworthy story in American collegiate life recently has been the widespread eruption of pro-Palestinian protests over the war between Israel and Hamas. A central demand of pro-Palestinian … Continue reading “Divesting from Israel Is Not Just Wrong but Stupid”
The Collegiate War Against Merit
A story in Inside Higher Ed last week revealed that two more Ivy League schools, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania, have stopped publishing “dean’s lists” that recognize high levels … Continue reading “The Collegiate War Against Merit”
The Real World Confronts the Ivory Tower
For years, there has been an ever-widening gap between the values and behaviors of contemporary America (“the Real World”) and those on college campuses (“the Ivory Tower”). Since, ultimately, the … Continue reading “The Real World Confronts the Ivory Tower”
The Ne Plus Ultra of Collegiate Wokeness
Observers of the American collegiate scene are likely well aware of the academic jihad against University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax and the disgraceful shouting down of federal judge … Continue reading “The Ne Plus Ultra of Collegiate Wokeness”
Does College Accreditation Work?
When you buy a car, a piece of furniture, or a pleasure boat, you typically don’t ask the seller, “Is the manufacturer accredited?” We buy all kinds of things, even … Continue reading “Does College Accreditation Work?”
The Decline (and Fall?) of College
“A majority of Americans don’t think a college degree is worth the cost,” wrote Wall Street Journal reporter Douglas Belkin in late March. That revelation was inspired by the results … Continue reading “The Decline (and Fall?) of College”
A Collegiate Renaissance?
Intelligent observers of American higher education know that colleges generally are in great trouble: falling enrollments, declining public and political support, often dubious outcomes, and excessive tuition and other costs. … Continue reading “A Collegiate Renaissance?”
Higher Education and the Law of Diminishing Returns, Part II
Recently, I argued in a Martin Center article that the fourth year of study for the bachelor’s degree is probably relatively unproductive and that enormous resources could be saved by … Continue reading “Higher Education and the Law of Diminishing Returns, Part II”