Anastasia Crosswhite, former associate dean at NYU Stern, Zakia Smith-Ellis, New Jersey's Chief Policy Advisor, and Bob Shireman, Director of Higher Ed Excellence, delve into the pressing challenges facing higher education today. They tackle the widening inequality in access to elite schools, the shift toward online learning, and issues surrounding institutional funding. The panel discusses the importance of innovative solutions to ensure educational accessibility while addressing financial aid deficiencies for middle-income families. Insightful perspectives are shared on redefining the value of education in a post-pandemic world.