University students are having to meet more of the cost of their higher education in countries with existing mass higher education systems and “aging demographics” – and the trend towards reduced public spending on universities looks set to continue. A new report, released today, says governments facing budget-balancing exercises, such as Britain and some US states including California, are already imposing cuts.
In contrast, while the right is driving us toward privatization, the American left seems to believe in a need to award degrees rather than strive for the best education. Some of this arises from a false sense that “everyone” needs a degree. This recent editorial form the Syracuse University is worth a read.