One of Donald Trump’s preferred strategies in communication is to juxtapose a kernel of truth with a barrage of misleading claims. For instance, while it is indeed true that the global trading system requires reform, the methods suggested, such as undermining the US economy and destabilizing markets, are far from constructive. Similarly, while it is legitimate to argue that Europeans should contribute more toward their own defense, the tactic of dismantling NATO does not enhance European safety. Furthermore, the need for reform in American higher education is undeniable; however, threatening the nation’s elite colleges as a means to this end is not the solution.

Trump’s ongoing campaign against Ivy League institutions is not just punitive but also well-calculated. Since at least the 1980s, Republicans have voiced grievances about what they term “greedy colleges.” Recently, the conservative think tank, the American Enterprise Institute, proposed a blueprint aimed at dismantling the influence of university elites who they believe have coddled radical ideas on campus. This agenda includes efforts to cut university funding and deport students who participate in campus protests, all in pursuit of a broader ideological objective.

However, it’s crucial for reasonable individuals—especially those who have attended or worked at prestigious universities—to reflect on the reasons behind such animosity and explore ways to rectify the legitimate shortcomings within America’s higher education system. Three major issues warrant attention: administrative bloat, escalating costs, and the problem of toxic credentialism. Addressing these challenges could not only diminish the targets that conservatives aim at but also improve the educational landscape for all students.

Over the years, both public and private colleges and universities in the United States have seen a troubling trend: a dramatic increase in bureaucratic spending at the expense of educational quality. Since the 1970s, the faculty-to-administrator ratio has dramatically shifted, resulting in institutions that prioritize not just education but also a plethora of lifestyle amenities. Modern college campuses now boast extensive mental health services, a variety of intramural sports, entertainment options, lavish dormitories, and gourmet dining. Moreover, initiatives surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have proliferated, although these are currently facing legal challenges following the Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action in 2023.

As a result of these advancements, universities require more administrative personnel. Additionally, there has been a shift in the backgrounds of these administrators, with many now being recruited from business schools and professional management programs rather than being promoted from within the educational sector itself. This influx often leads to a disconnect between the core educational mission and the managerial decisions made, compounded by their often exorbitant salaries, which can exceed six-figures. This rising administrative expenditure inevitably results in increased tuition fees for students.

From 1979 to 2021, the cost of obtaining a four-year degree has tripled, even after adjusting for inflation. This has shifted the teaching workload toward lower-paid adjunct professors, who are often overburdened and lack job security.

If I were at the helm of a large university, my first step would be to identify opportunities for economies of scale and the potential for technology to streamline administrative duties, mirroring the efficiencies sought in profitable businesses. Additionally, I would carefully consider how bureaucratic expansion impacts overall institutional effectiveness, particularly as it drives tuition costs higher. An article in the Bowdoin Review succinctly noted that an “accessibility coordinator” might paradoxically render a university less accessible for the average student who is burdened with tuition fees.

The financial burden of the American higher education system is now unsustainable. A debt-free college education seems to be a luxury reserved only for the affluent. However, simply reducing federal funding and shifting responsibility to state governments, as suggested by the Trump administration, is not a viable answer. This approach would disproportionately affect the majority of students enrolled in public institutions, many of which have smaller endowments and are reliant on state funds that have been decreasing due to fiscal policies influenced by conservative figures like Grover Norquist and the Koch Brothers.

Instead, we should strive to bend the cost curve by placing less emphasis on extravagant extras and the administrative staff needed to manage them. An innovative approach could involve restructuring secondary education to include two years of college, known as the “6 in 4” model. This concept, which is gaining traction across various states and enjoys support from many educators and business leaders, could adequately prepare students for approximately two-thirds of today’s job market. Moreover, it would effectively cut the expense of a traditional state college degree in half.

For those students desiring a complete four-year experience, universities could serve as conduits for paid internships that connect academic learning with real-world job opportunities, thereby fostering the development of essential skills while providing businesses with a cost-effective labor pool. This model has already transformed institutions like Northeastern University in Boston into a global franchise with branches across multiple countries. We could even consider integrating a mandatory year of public service into the college experience, a move that could contribute to bridging the existing political divides within the United States.

Ultimately, this brings us to the issue of toxic credentialism. Historically, universities served as platforms for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to level the playing field. However, higher education has increasingly become a sector that amplifies existing disparities related to politics and economics. Currently, approximately half of America’s government and business leaders emerge from a mere handful of elite institutions that find themselves under scrutiny from the Trump administration. Alarmingly, the proportion of college graduates originating from the lowest 25 percent of the income distribution has remained stagnant since the 1970s.

Despite these challenges lies a significant opportunity. For America to thrive and progress, it is imperative that the higher education system undergoes meaningful evolution.