The Economist has an article in this week’s print edition which argues that despite their positioning at the top of world rankings, top American universities might be going “the way of [America’s] car companies.” The arguments are exaggerated at best, but they are as follows: 1) College fees are rising faster than incomes, 2) Students are studying less and drop out rates are going up, 3) Research professors are becoming less interested in teaching students, 4) Science and technology research is declining in quality, and 5) Administrative bloat is weighing on university budgets.
Don’t expect an Ivy League bailout anytime soon.
