The Troubling Rise of Financiers in US Higher Education

The American dream of higher education has long been a beacon of hope for millions of students and families. But in recent years, the traditional model of higher education has come under increasing pressure from the growing influence of financiers.

Bankers in the Ivory Tower: The Troubling Rise of Financiers in US Higher Education

by Charlie Eaton

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1638 KB
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Private equity firms and venture capitalists are increasingly investing in colleges and universities, driven by the lure of profit. This trend is raising concerns about the impact on the quality of education, the affordability of college, and the accessibility of higher education for all students.

The Rise of Financiers

The involvement of financiers in higher education is not new, but it has accelerated rapidly in recent years. In 2008, private equity firms accounted for just 2% of total investment in higher education. By 2017, that number had jumped to 15%. Venture capital investments in higher education have also increased dramatically, from $200 million in 2010 to over $1 billion in 2017.

This surge in investment is driven by a number of factors, including the growing perception that education is a lucrative business. As the cost of college continues to rise, so too does the potential for profit. Financiers are betting that they can make a buck by investing in colleges and universities and driving up tuition costs.

The Impact on Quality

The rise of financiers in higher education has a number of potential risks and consequences. One of the biggest concerns is the impact on the quality of education.

When financiers invest in colleges and universities, they often demand a return on their investment. This can lead to pressure on colleges and universities to cut costs, reduce faculty, and increase class sizes. All of these factors can have a negative impact on the quality of education.

In addition, financiers often have a short-term focus on profits. This can lead to colleges and universities making decisions that are not in the best interests of students, such as cutting academic programs or raising tuition costs.

The Impact on Affordability

The rising influence of financiers in higher education is also having a significant impact on affordability. When private equity firms and venture capitalists invest in colleges and universities, they often take on significant debt. This debt must be repaid, and the cost is often passed on to students in the form of higher tuition costs.

In recent years, tuition costs have risen at a rate far outpacing inflation. This has made college increasingly unaffordable for many students and families. The rising influence of financiers is only exacerbating this problem.

The Impact on Accessibility

The rise of financiers in higher education is also having a negative impact on accessibility. When tuition costs rise, it becomes more difficult for students from low-income backgrounds to attend college. This is particularly troubling, given that higher education is increasingly necessary for success in the modern economy.

In addition, the rising influence of financiers is leading to the privatization of higher education. This means that more and more colleges and universities are being run by for-profit companies. These companies are often more focused on making a profit than on providing a quality education.

The

The rising influence of financiers in US higher education is a troubling trend that warrants close scrutiny. This trend has the potential to negatively impact the quality of education, the affordability of college, and the accessibility of higher education for all students.

It is important to note that not all financiers are bad actors. Some are genuinely committed to improving the quality of higher education and making it more affordable. However, the vast majority of financiers are driven by profit motive, and this is having a negative impact on the American dream of higher education.

We need to take action to address the rising influence of financiers in higher education. We need to demand that colleges and universities put the interests of students first, and we need to hold financiers accountable for their actions.

Bankers in the Ivory Tower: The Troubling Rise of Financiers in US Higher Education

by Charlie Eaton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1638 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	215 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE