The Challenges of Higher Education in the US

Higher education in the United States is facing significant challenges, primarily stemming from a demographic downturn in the population of 18-year-olds and a declining percentage of Americans pursuing college education. This decline is exacerbated by a series of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent complications with the FAFSA form, which delayed the process of financial aid applications and sent inaccurate offers to many students. These challenges are particularly pressing for community colleges, leading to concerns about enrollment declines at many institutions outside of elite universities. Additionally, there is a stark contrast in societal views toward education, with K-12 education widely accepted as a right, while higher education is devalued. Historical precedents, such as post-World War II investments in veterans' education, underline the potential benefits of supporting higher education, as those initiatives contributed to significant economic growth and societal advancements. Currently, low Pell Grant funding and decreasing state support for public institutions threaten the sustainability of higher education in the US, positioning it unfavorably compared to investment strategies in countries like China.