Summary

In this episode of 'This Week in College Viability,' Gary Stocker discusses the current challenges facing higher education, including leadership changes at Guilford College, the merger of Gannon and Ursuline, and the implications of declining enrollment numbers. He emphasizes the need for financial transparency in colleges and explores the potential for class action suits to hold educational institutions accountable. The conversation also touches on the return on investment for students, the impact of career technical education programs, and the ethical concerns surrounding Pell churning. Stocker concludes with a critical view of the state of higher education and the necessity for reform.

Takeaways

• Guilford College is facing significant financial challenges leading to leadership changes.
• Mergers like Gannon and Ursuline reflect the ongoing consolidation in higher education.
• Financial value transparency is crucial for students to make informed decisions.
• Class action suits may emerge as a means to hold educational institutions accountable.
• Return on investment varies significantly between colleges, with some elite schools underperforming.
• Career technical education programs are gaining popularity among Gen Z as viable alternatives to traditional college.
• Pell churning raises ethical concerns about how colleges manage student enrollment and retention.

Sound Bites

• "Class action suits could improve American education"
• "Reputation is not as important as major"
• "The only question is when closures will happen"
• "Pell churning is an ethical concern"
• "Colleges are not ivory towers of excellence"

00:00 Introduction to Higher Education Challenges

01:27 Guilford College Leadership Changes

03:50 Mergers in Higher Education: Gannon and Ursuline

07:01 The Impact of Enrollment Declines

09:53 Financial Value Transparency in Education

11:45 Class Action Suits and Educational Accountability

15:35 Return on Investment in Higher Education

19:02 Tennessee State University: A Case Study

20:32 Competition from Career Technical Education Programs

23:23 Pell Churning: Ethical Concerns in Enrollment

26:18 Conclusion: The Future of Higher Education

Show Notes and Links

Guilford College President Steps Down Amid Financial Challenges

Gannon, Ursuline closer to merging. How, when the schools hope to unite

Class dismissed: Colleges expected to close as enrollment numbers tank

The One Biden Education Policy Trump Should Keep

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's Knocking at the College Door report

Pick a college and graduate. High-cost schools don't pay. Earning a degree does.

It's been a long year for TSU. 2025 will prove crucial for the school.

Alcino Donadel - 2025 prediction on career technical education