[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

It's certainly not good for the economy for only wealthy kids to be able to afford to go to college. The unfortunate choice many face is be saddled with debt, or try to make it without a college degree-- which is difficult to do.

I think innovation will eventually solve this as new models of education threaten the old and come in at a fraction of the tuition.

Many kids treat college as a 5 year party charged on a credit card.

We need to get over this. College has become a huge business that needs an Uber-like disruption.

Ironically, that's where tertiary education started. Things do tend to come full circle, eh?

I completely agree about disruptive higher education, but it needs to be done carefully to maintain the integrity of higher learning. Phoenix university won't and cannot be the model. Rigor and excellence is a must. But it is unbelievable to me that the university system is largely the same as it was millennia ago. The model is based on producing academic scholars. Today, 90% (?) of students attend college to obtain knowledge and fundamental skills for modern jobs. Programs like "professional science masters" (PSM--uconn has a few) are a step in the right direction, but far from a solved problem.

The biggest hurdle will be widespread adoption. Getting a 10 minute ride from joe blow in a nondescript vehicle instead of an ex-pakistani doctor in a yellow town car is not a life altering decision. Deciding to bail on conventional university education in favor of an unproven educational model with no success statistics IS a HUGE risk.

[RunD1987]

We could cap anyone being eligible for state college if their household income exceeds $100K.

[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

We could cap anyone being eligible for state college if their household income exceeds $100K.

Probably the most absurd idea ever proposed on the internet. Ever. Better idea, forbid people making 30k a year and trying to afford college from purchasing brand new 30k cars.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

We could cap anyone being eligible for state college if their household income exceeds $100K.

Brilliant.

That will make college affordable how?

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by Sigequinox

Ironically, that's where tertiary education started. Things do tend to come full circle, eh?

I completely agree about disruptive higher education, but it needs to be done carefully to maintain the integrity of higher learning. Phoenix university won't and cannot be the model. Rigor and excellence is a must. But it is unbelievable to me that the university system is largely the same as it was millennia ago. The model is based on producing academic scholars. Today, 90% (?) of students attend college to obtain knowledge and fundamental skills for modern jobs. Programs like "professional science masters" (PSM--uconn has a few) are a step in the right direction, but far from a solved problem.

The biggest hurdle will be widespread adoption. Getting a 10 minute ride from joe blow in a nondescript vehicle instead of an ex-pakistani doctor in a yellow town car is not a life altering decision. Deciding to bail on conventional university education in favor of an unproven educational model with no success statistics IS a HUGE risk.

You're already seeing disruption in the model-- and you're right it must be done carefully. And as big of an advocate as I am for college education, some jobs simple don't require it.

My company certifies hundreds of web developers each year-- Many of whom go out and get jobs. Total cost? Around $800.

[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

You're already seeing disruption in the model-- and you're right it must be done carefully. And as big of an advocate as I am for college education, some jobs simple don't require it.

My company certifies hundreds of web developers each year-- Many of whom go out and get jobs. Total cost? Around $800.

Much of computer science is unique in that you can can get hands on experience at home for the cost of a computer. You can access terabytes of open source code for $60/mnth (internet). SV is evidence that one does not require a degree in programing to change the world. But It's not quite that simple (and shouldn't be) in other fields.

An overhaul of the bachelor degree for engineering and the natural sciences would add incredible value, lifelong reduction is cost and save many people a few years of their life. How much money and time is wasted on non-major coursework? IIRC, I needed about 120 credits to graduate and only 50 or so were major specific. Everything else were liberal arts crap like multiculturalism, history and foreign language etc @ about $1.5k per class. The masters degree would become unnecessary if students could focus all those credits within their field of study-saving another 2 years and another 30-50k.

[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Brilliant.

That will make college affordable how?

Clearly a tenuous grasp on the intent and purpose of state universities.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by Sigequinox

Probably the most absurd idea ever proposed on the internet. Ever. Better idea, forbid people making 30k a year and trying to afford college from purchasing brand new 30k cars.

They can go to private institutes. Not denying them college

[Sigequinox]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

They can go to private institutes. Not denying them college

you don't get it.

[BicoastalAnn]

most families making <$100k get a good amount of scholarship money anyway, especially at private schools.

the ones who are really going to be shouldering these tuition increases are donors and the upper middle class.