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College costs: The public weighs in
Public Agenda and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education have just released a report outlining the results of a recent poll of the American public. The survey results show a dramatic increase in the percentage of Americans who believe that a Bachelor's degree is a necessity for success--55 percent in 2007 versus only 30 percent in 2000.
Of even greater concern, however, is the following finding:
"Our research also confirms that significant numbers of Americans have questions about whether these cost increases are justified and whether colleges are operating in the most cost effective manner. More than half of Americans (53 percent) say colleges could spend less and still maintain a high quality of education. Fifty-five percent say that higher education today is run like most businesses, with more attention to the bottom line and the educational mission of secondary importance."
This, of course, is what ACTA has been saying for quite some time: As the price of higher ed continues to rise, Americans are frustrated. They believe that instruction is taking a back seat to administrative costs--and that parents, students, and taxpayers are left shouldering the bill. In these challenging economic times, trustees have an ideal opportunity to look long and hard at their institutions' budget priorities, renew their institutions' focus on teaching and learning, and thoughtfully allocate campus resources. By doing so, trustees can help universities weather the current economic storm, ensure a quality and affordable education, and respond to the growing concerns of the American public--who make higher education possible.
Posted by Sandra E. Czelusniak on February 04, 2009 at February 4, 2009 04:03 PM
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