There have been quite a few books written incorporating the “ivory tower” shorthand for American higher education. The latest is by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch—After the Ivory Tower Falls. … Continue reading “A “Progressive” Analysis of Higher Education’s Problems”
In my last article for the Martin Center, I outlined how increasing tuition discounts are indicative of a looming financial crisis for many colleges and universities. Tuition discounting and a … Continue reading “How to Cut Costs on Campus”
Undergraduate student engagement is on the decline. That’s according to the publishing and research firm Wiley, which, in February, released a “State of the Student” survey indicating that student engagement … Continue reading “Let’s Improve Student Engagement”
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”
I recently turned 65 and became eligible for Medicare. Like other medical insurance, Medicare requires providers who accept reimbursement to agree to a set rate for the services they provide. … Continue reading “Treat Student-Loan Borrowing Like Medicare”
Early in the introductory college economics course, instructors talk about the Law of Diminishing Returns. An illustration: A farmer has a 100-acre field on which he wants to harvest wheat. … Continue reading “Higher Education and the Law of Diminishing Returns”
It’s time to do away with selective college admissions for undergraduate education. Now, let’s get the caveats out of the way. When it comes to specific training that requires particular … Continue reading “The Case Against Admissions Selectivity”
College affordability has long been an issue in this country. Given that the federal government’s subsidizing of higher education has allowed the cost of college to increase exponentially, many prospective … Continue reading “Don’t Racialize the College-Affordability Crisis”
American higher education is a stunning success, but mostly for the people who work in it. Faculty members and administrators enjoy employment that pays pretty well and is more secure … Continue reading “How Our Higher-Education System Could Put Students First”
Colleges’ tuition costs are easy enough to find, but not every student pays list price. Education experts agree that data about so-called discount rates could be an invaluable tool for … Continue reading “Don’t Hide the Discount Rate”