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The “value” of college can be measured in many ways: knowledge, problem-solving experience, emotional growth, vocational training and preparation, social growth

The “value” of college can be measured in many ways: knowledge, problem-solving experience, emotional growth, vocational training and preparation, social growth and network building, credentials, and more. The cost of college education is still reasonable when community college options are used for at least the first couple of years, regardless of the course of study. Universities should bolster their cooperative education departments by extending internships and coop job placements for all majors, not just engineering, computers, math and science. Community colleges could also provide valuable post-graduate job training options for those who major in the humanities/liberal/fine arts and are looking to apply their education in unique ways to job fields that need people the most. College is important and valuable. Some changes are needed, but the market should drive those changes in a positive direction.

Nevermark 3y ago
From what I can tell, with perspectives from professors and administrators who are unhappy with the status quo, universities have become very administrative and non-education initiative top heavy. A much leaner focus on teaching & research might help lower tuitions for a start. And more flexible STEM degrees, I.e. customized skill path degrees, to address student (and employer) demand for specialization. Also a problem I have seen: You know a university is run by the wrong people (managers instead of leaders), when the higher up’s are hiring consultants to tell them what they should be doing to address all the changes going on.
westcoalst 3y ago
> The “value” of college can be measured in many ways Neat, but it rarely is because we live in a society of high wealth inequality. > Universities should bolster their cooperative education departments by extending internships and coop job placements for all majors, not just engineering, computers, math and science Why? You would need to show how that would increase shareholder profit. If it won't, it's a liability at best. > Some changes are needed, but the market should drive those changes in a positive direction. I would love to know what was going through your head when you wrote this.
- jschveibinz 3y ago
  Thank you for commenting. It is important to know that all public colleges and universities and most private institutions are not “owned” by anyone. So they don’t have shareholders, and profit is not a consideration. https://collegeaftermath.com/university/who-is-the-owner-of-a-private-university/ https://collegeaftermath.com/university/who-is-the-owner-of-... There are some for-profit degree mills in the US that are owned by corporations, but these businesses are not the focus of my comments nor were they the focus of the original article. Even though most colleges and universities are not businesses focused on profit, they are indeed focused on growth and development. They do this (theoretically) for several reasons: 1) to protect the good name of the institution for the benefit of the students and alumni; 2) growth is better than stagnation or decline; and 3) administration is required and incentivized to do it. This costs money. Where does the money come from? Students (tuition), research (government and industry), and donations from alumni and industry. There is stiff competition between institutions to 1) attract students and 2) attract funding and donations. This competition creates a market. The universities and colleges have to provide value to students and donors-more perceived value than other institutions-to gain their interest and dollars. There used to be more government subsidies for public institutions, but those days are gone. Not all institutions are successful in the marketplace. My comment was that ultimately, students (and their parents) have the power to change the way that colleges and universities serve them by voting with their wallets.

Nevermark 3y ago

From what I can tell, with perspectives from professors and administrators who are unhappy with the status quo, universities have become very administrative and non-education initiative top heavy. A much leaner focus on teaching & research might help lower tuitions for a start. And more flexible STEM degrees, I.e. customized skill path degrees, to address student (and employer) demand for specialization. Also a problem I have seen: You know a university is run by the wrong people (managers instead of leaders), when the higher up’s are hiring consultants to tell them what they should be doing to address all the changes going on.

westcoalst 3y ago

> The “value” of college can be measured in many ways Neat, but it rarely is because we live in a society of high wealth inequality. > Universities should bolster their cooperative education departments by extending internships and coop job placements for all majors, not just engineering, computers, math and science Why? You would need to show how that would increase shareholder profit. If it won't, it's a liability at best. > Some changes are needed, but the market should drive those changes in a positive direction. I would love to know what was going through your head when you wrote this.

jschveibinz 3y ago
Thank you for commenting. It is important to know that all public colleges and universities and most private institutions are not “owned” by anyone. So they don’t have shareholders, and profit is not a consideration. https://collegeaftermath.com/university/who-is-the-owner-of-a-private-university/ https://collegeaftermath.com/university/who-is-the-owner-of-... There are some for-profit degree mills in the US that are owned by corporations, but these businesses are not the focus of my comments nor were they the focus of the original article. Even though most colleges and universities are not businesses focused on profit, they are indeed focused on growth and development. They do this (theoretically) for several reasons: 1) to protect the good name of the institution for the benefit of the students and alumni; 2) growth is better than stagnation or decline; and 3) administration is required and incentivized to do it. This costs money. Where does the money come from? Students (tuition), research (government and industry), and donations from alumni and industry. There is stiff competition between institutions to 1) attract students and 2) attract funding and donations. This competition creates a market. The universities and colleges have to provide value to students and donors-more perceived value than other institutions-to gain their interest and dollars. There used to be more government subsidies for public institutions, but those days are gone. Not all institutions are successful in the marketplace. My comment was that ultimately, students (and their parents) have the power to change the way that colleges and universities serve them by voting with their wallets.