With the rate of tuition increases over the last 20 years, will there be a major shift in standard 4 year degree programs?

Capt Brandon Charters — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 14:01:26 -0400

As student debt climbs for many in the civilian world, will there be a new educational model in the next 10-20 years?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2017 10:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 22:32:13 -0400

I think costs will be one of many factors that drive more to use cheaper computer-based (e.g. edX, Cybrary.IT) and classroom-to-job programs (e.g. IVMF, New Horizons). Certifications and degrees are credentials proven to show little about someone's competence in a position alone but a barrier to pass hiring managers. Networking and proof of knowledge especially via personal brand and online profile create the foundation for employers' confidence in you.

Most of the knowledge I use at work now comes from what I've learned on my own time. That doesn't knock the university but shows that you have to do your own professional development. . . structured self development. o.O

What say you?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 15 at 2017 1:58 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 13:58:01 -0400

I rarely use HuffPost as a reference, but they got it right here. This and competition between schools to provide facilities for staff and students far superior to what few of us see. Sad part is it’s done primarily with taxpayer funds.

https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4738584

'It's A Lie. It's A Lie. It's A Lie'

The number of non-academic administrative and professional employees at U.S. colleges and universities has more than doubled in the last 25 years, vastly...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2017 2:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 14:12:03 -0400

Sir,

I've worked IT in the education sector for a decade - yes, the four-year education model is effectively on life support. Our full-time resident student enrollment dropped by 50% over the last ten years, launching our institution into financial crisis. At $450 per credit hour, with at least 12 credits per semester, many students pay more money for a room and a meal plan than the education they came to earn.

We have TWICE as many "on-line learners" (OLLs) who pay full credit hour tuition, but only pay an equipment or technology service fee. It takes 2.3 OLLs to make up for one full-time resident. In comparison to the traditional educational model, the online structure is flexible and has very little administrative overhead. Your costs are reduced to money spent creating or purchasing accredited course content, the faculty proctoring the course (monitoring and grading student in the online format - most of them adjunct faculty proctoring courses as a third job), infrastructure costs, and support staff.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 11:34 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 11:34:56 -0400

A good starting strategy to mitigate this shift would be to attack the billion dollar industry that is know as university endowments, academia is always at the forefront of tolerance, caring for the "little guy" and the downtrodden, bridging the gaps between social 'classes', etc. But in all of this they keep 'forgetting' to mention the billions of dollars a year that are literally pumped into their university system for profit. they WERE seen at multiple occupy wall street events criticizing the "1%" which I guess is considered to be people who make ~ $200,000 a year, not the academia who make sums higher than that and take full advantage of university provided subsidies and 'benefits'. It only applies to the small business owners who employ Americans and pay salaries and take great risk to be doing it.
Seems to be a disconnect from reality here or something.
Good post and a great question though!