AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Major Challenges in American Higher Education

Executive Summary

The American Higher Education System has been facing a number of serious problems and challenges during the last decade. These have had a severe deteriorating impact on the overall standard of education in the country. This paper is aimed at identifying some of the most important aspects in this regard, especially the emergence of for-profits colleges and universities, and their conflict with the traditional not-for-profits institutions. The paper also seeks to propose corrective measures and actions to counter this situation.

Table of Contents

Executive Summaryii

Introduction1

Problems and Challenges in American Higher Education1

Not-for-profit Universities and Colleges vs. For-Profit Institutes2

Proposed Solutions5

Conclusion7

Major Challenges in American Higher Education

Introduction

Higher education has been of immense importance and priority for the U.S. It has always seen it as an important mechanism of both economy and democracy. Following the World War II, the federal government took specific measures to expand the reach of American higher education through the establishment of modern research colleges and universities throughout the country, and introduction of state-funded financial aid programs and schemes (Lucas, 2006).

All these efforts enabled America to develop one of the best higher education systems during the twentieth century. The system has led to historic, scientific researches and discoveries, boosted the economy and strengthened the society and culture of USA. It has provided modern, advanced education to millions of students, and helped to create a highly trained and competent workforce. The system has opened streams of opportunities for the people that call US their home (Cohen & Kisker, 2009).

Problems and Challenges in American Higher Education

Despite its earlier success, the American Higher Education system has been going through tough times over the turn of the 21st century. The system faces various problems and risks that may undermine its value and progress, with severe consequences for the American public (Altbach, Gumport & Berdahl, 2005).

The state support for higher education has declined considerably. The cuts in funding have made it difficult for public colleges and universities to serve their states, while the tuition prices and fees have been rising at a very high rate. This coupled with a substantial reduction in the student aid programs makes it almost impossible for a large population segment to go to colleges.

Many of the admission policies adopted at different institutions have led to reduced access to higher education. The divide in scholarship programs, and restrictions on enrolment capacities are examples of the growing inequalities and biases in admissions to higher education institutions (Thelin, 2011).

The widening gap between the public and private universities has not helped the state of affairs either. This has had a more severe impact on the public institutions that serve three-quarters of the college students in the country. The public colleges and universities find it difficult to recruit quality teachers and faculty, and maintain the same modern technology and quality education as the private institutions with strong financial resources.

The country's competitive position has also weakened in the global knowledge economy. This may be attributed to reduced public investments ...