Freakonomics Radio

502. “I Don’t Think the Country Is Turning Away From College.”

17 snips
May 5, 2022
Chris Paxson, an economist and president of Brown University, offers a spirited defense of higher education amidst rising criticisms. She discusses the declining enrollment rates, particularly the challenges faced by mid-tier universities. The conversation delves into the interplay of college costs and societal expectations, while emphasizing initiatives that help lower-income students. Paxson also addresses the impact of COVID-19 on learning dynamics and the growing gender gap in college enrollment, raising intriguing questions about the future of education.
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INSIGHT

Prestige and Enrollment

  • Elite colleges prioritize close student-faculty relationships and high-touch education.
  • Expanding enrollment can compromise this personalized learning experience.
INSIGHT

Expanding Knowledge

  • Expanding knowledge through research has greater societal impact than increasing student numbers.
  • Focus on supporting public institutions and less-resourced colleges for broader access.
ANECDOTE

Town and Gown

  • Brown's expansion in Providence has historically displaced neighborhoods, creating tension.
  • Brown is now redeveloping derelict areas, turning a former power plant into a shared university space.
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