[oceanview]

the only way for the cost to the students to decline is for more government subsidy. at some point, the type of college educations typical in america makes no sense for an economy that is not employing new workers in tech or manufacturing. you don't need college for most service jobs, and many other skilled jobs can be learned through vocational training. let's face it, who needs a masters degree in mathematics to teach public school algebra or geometry or the basic sciences. college is becoming a "racket".

[RobbyS]

Yes, but forty years ago colleges were no more than glorified teacher colleges, ag collges or academies. As for engineering, many engineers in the '40s and '50s had had no more than a cursory education, quite inferior to that offered at a place life Lehigh. Few of the pet engineers that my Dad trained for Shell oil--called field experience--had learned much in college and took years to come up to the level of my Dad, who was a farm boy with a sixth grade education.

[superloser]

who needs a masters degree in mathematics to teach public school algebra or geometry or the basic sciences

Many states require a Masters' degree to get a teaching certificate. Oregon is one per relatives who are high school teachers.

I doubt the requirement for "higher education" to get a teaching certificate will ever go away due to the public wanting their educators to be "qualified" in some bizzare meaningless way.

[chris1]

It has been a racket for a long time!