The purpose of a university educationally can have more than one purpose. The first is to teach people how to think right, the second is to prepare them for the job market and the third is finishing school. What we're going to be talking about over the course of this hour could unbundle some of the things that people are getting in the university.
In this c750th (!) episode, Duke University's Michael Munger talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about whether the pandemic might create an opportunity for colleges and universities to experiment and innovate. Munger is Professor of Political Science, Economics and Public Policy at Duke. He believes "top" schools can emerge from the current period of uncertainty to thrive in the long run. The path for "second-tier" institutions could be more difficult. They will still face the challenges that existed before the pandemic: competition from online classes and a shrinking pool of new applicants ready to pay high tuition bills.