Sahaj Sharda, an insightful author, dives into the murky waters of higher education. He uncovers why college costs skyrocket, as elite institutions operate like a cartel, favoring prestige over accessibility. Sharda critiques the perception of colleges as non-profit entities, revealing their commercial motives and practices like price fixing. The discussion highlights the Varsity Blues scandal and the elitist culture that fuels inequitable admissions. He advocates for systemic reforms to create a fairer educational landscape, all while unmasking the irony of higher ed.
Elite colleges operate like cartels prioritizing prestige and profit over educational accessibility, perpetuating inflated tuition rates for students.
The history of price fixing and coordinated financial aid among top universities showcases systemic inequities that disadvantage applicants seeking support.
The influence of US News & World Report rankings encourages institutions to limit enrollment, compromising educational quality in favor of maintaining prestige.
Deep dives
The Elite College Cartel
Elite colleges are often perceived as noble institutions focused on education, but they function more like cartels with a vested interest in maintaining exclusivity and prestige. This exclusivity is achieved by manipulating resources and limiting enrollment, which supports inflated tuition rates. For example, despite their significant endowments, these institutions prioritize profits and prestige over expanding access to education. The resulting atmosphere fosters a disconnect between the vast resources available and the minimal impact on improving educational accessibility for all students.
Price Fixing and Antitrust Issues
The history of price fixing among top universities emphasizes a systemic manipulation of financial aid that disadvantages students. During the 'overlap meetings' in the 1990s, elite schools coordinated their financial aid packages for students accepted to multiple institutions, effectively controlling pricing and failing to provide adequate support. This practice led to antitrust lawsuits, revealing a stark contrast between the universities' self-promoting narrative and their economic actions. Ultimately, by prioritizing their financial interests, these schools perpetuate inequities within higher education.
The Role of Rankings
The US News & World Report rankings play a pivotal role in shaping the behavior of elite universities, reinforcing their cartel-like practices. Institutions are incentivized to maintain low enrollment numbers to keep their prestige intact, as larger institutions risk dropping in the rankings. This focus on ranking rather than education quality leads to a market where universities mimic one another instead of competing. As a result, the elite colleges consolidate their status while contributing to a misguided educational ecosystem that limits accessibility.
Financialization of Higher Education
The increasing financialization of higher education has positioned universities as businesses primarily concerned with generating revenue rather than as educational institutions. This transformation is evident in the pursuit of lucrative endowments and investments, leading to exorbitant tuition prices. Students are often left burdened with debt while higher education administrations benefit financially from these structural changes. The narrative of universities as non-profit entities is increasingly undermined by their commercial ambitions and corporate strategies.
Proposed Reforms for Accessibility
To alleviate the issues within the higher education system, significant reforms are necessary, focusing on both demand and supply aspects. One suggestion involves restructuring student loan practices, ensuring that universities are held accountable if graduates are unable to repay their debts. Additionally, dismantling the intertwined relationship between elite institutions and ranking systems could level the playing field, promoting accessibility for all students. Ultimately, these changes aim to shift the focus from elitism and prestige back towards equitable access to quality education.