The op-ed is titled “A Quick Way to Cut Costs”. Though I don’t think it is realistic, or the right approach (I describe why in my comment, which is copied below.), I think it is excelllent for the information it contains, especially about the Expected Family Contribution. I recommend it. Here is the link.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/opinion/a-quick-way-to-cut-college-costs.html
Here is my posted comment:
“Cutting costs would be nice. but cutting corruption would be much better. (I’m a former professor and a quick perusal of my blog www.inside-higher-ed.com will make clear what I mean by “corruption”.)
Until the public realizes how much colleges get away with, no remedy will work. The schools will just say “look at how much we are accomplishing.” Here is a recent example. It is from Washington University in St. Louis’ magazine. (http://magazine.wustl.edu/2014/february/Pages/default.aspx)
The cover article “Creating Paths of Opportunity” seems to be about how the university’s Chancellor explained how Wash. U. is already working to help educational accerss. He did this at President Obama’s recent gathering of educators.
The article has a graphic on page two that shows how much Washington University financail aid has increased in the past decade – almost double, from $16,000 to $30,000. What is not stated is that over the same period yearly costs have increased by $18,000.
I doubt if this was a mistake. And I doubt that it is isolated either within the university or among universities. They just think since they are a “university” they won’t be questioned.
Clark Kerr reluctantly suggested that universities be regulated, and so did David Reisman. (Their are links to their work on my blog.) I agree. Until they are, remedies about costs, or teaching, or whatever will only help at a few honest schools. In the meantime….”
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