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US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

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21–30 of 77 posts

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#21
I don't understand why we have a lockdown for everyone. If you are old, obese, or at risk, why not self lockdown?

Obese people had 4 months to lose weight to prepare for coronavirus. I do have sympathy for "at risk" people that would lose their unemployment.

But we are putting a generation of students at a disadvantage to protect 0.5% of the population, and most of that 0.5% can self lockdown.

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#22
post #14

Defund higher education.

I would love to see a two-part program 1. No more government-backed Student Loans. (Tuition would drop like a rock.) 2. Build many more free/cheap community colleges and make that much more accessible to everyone.

> Build many more free/cheap community colleges and make that much more accessible to everyone.

They're already cheap, accessible to everyone, and ubiquitous. What would change?

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#24
post #3

The Pandora’s box here is that far too little of these “fees” actually went to in-person instruction vs. bloated admin and other things not directly linked to core educational activities. Unless universities slash those bloated admin and other costs then they’re not really in a position to be giving everyone a “remote learning” discount.

Well, the article does note universities that are offering discounts. They include Princeton, Georgetown, and Williams. So, it’s possible to give concessions for the short term.

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#25

What I don't understand about the whole education sector is these massive endowments. If they're so big and managed so well, why is there a need to charge so much in the first place?

Profit. It's always profit. Higher education is nearly mandatory to get a good position and good salary. It's nearly a gateway. 30% of the population has a university degree in first world countries.

Forcing multiple thousands of dollars is a toll for a bridge where few alternatives exist. And in a country that considers so many things a business, this is of course run like a business ergo profit is very important.

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would love to see a two-part program 1. No more government-backed Student Loans. (Tuition would drop like a rock.) 2. Build many more free/cheap community colleges and make that much more accessible to everyone.

> Build many more free/cheap community colleges and make that much more accessible to everyone. They're already cheap, accessible to everyone, and ubiquitous. What would change?

I agree they're relatively cheap, but I think they could go a lot further and just be free. A few hundred dollars for a class is still a lot, and we all benefit from people being able to get educated.

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#27

What I don't understand about the whole education sector is these massive endowments. If they're so big and managed so well, why is there a need to charge so much in the first place?

I think you are confusing schools like Harvard with your run of the mill state university. The latter rarely has much of an endowment to fund itself with.

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#28
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What is the justification and are people accepting this increase

Because remote classes have higher costs. It's always been that way.

That’s why Khan Academy et al are so expensive, huh?

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#29
post #24
post #3

The Pandora’s box here is that far too little of these “fees” actually went to in-person instruction vs. bloated admin and other things not directly linked to core educational activities. Unless universities slash those bloated admin and other costs then they’re not really in a position to be giving everyone a “remote learning” discount.

Well, the article does note universities that are offering discounts. They include Princeton, Georgetown, and Williams. So, it’s possible to give concessions for the short term.

If you're sitting on an endowment big enough to fund operations for decades then discounts are easy.

Re: US universities under pressure to cut fees because of remote learning

#30
post #29
post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well, the article does note universities that are offering discounts. They include Princeton, Georgetown, and Williams. So, it’s possible to give concessions for the short term.

If you're sitting on an endowment big enough to fund operations for decades then discounts are easy.

Indeed, and won’t certain alumni recognize the gesture that the university made and pay them back in the long term?
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