As political pressures on higher education intensify, it’s more important than ever to consider the value institutions bring to their communities. In this week’s issue, we explore the struggles of regional public universities, the growing public demand for transparency in college costs, and the debate over online tuition pricing. In all three stories, we find that clear communication is key to future institutional success.   

After reading today’s issue, share in the comments how your institution demonstrates the value of a degree to your students. 

Regional Public Universities 

From Diverging Fortunes in Public 4-year Institutions | On EdTech  

Using research from Third Way and the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, Phil Hill looks at the enrollment challenges facing regional public universities.   

Our Thoughts 

It’s nice to see the spotlight shined on regional public universities (RPUs), and I’m not just saying that as a proud graduate of one. These institutions are the workhorses of the higher education sector, educating millions of students per year with a specific focus on regional needs. They educate significant numbers of first-generation students, students of color, rural students, adult learners, and veterans. Yet, these institutions lack an official classification, leaving them misunderstood or misrepresented in aggregate data and public policy discussions. Understanding their unique role and challenges helps us better advocate for appropriate funding, resources, and policy support tailored to their distinct needs.  

Although the article highlights an alarming drop in enrollment for these institutions, I think these institutions are more reslient than they are often given credit for. However, declining enrollment could widen inequalities and resource disparities between RPUs and better-funded state flagships and land-grant institutions. This, in turn, may exacerbate access issues and economic inequalities among student populations, further deepening divides in higher education.  

Given RPUs’ crucial role in promoting social mobility and regional economic development, the enrollment declines and ongoing financial pressures represent a significant risk to higher education’s broader mission of providing accessible and affordable education. We should advocate for better recognition, targeted investments, and tailored policies to support these institutions. Doing so is vital not just for the sustainability of RPUs, but also for the health of our higher education system as a whole. 

Accountability and Costs 

From Americans Demand Greater Accountability in Higher Education, Survey Shows & Majority of Americans Think College Is Costly but Valuable | Inside Higher Ed  

A study from Arnold Ventures shows most Americans want more transparency in higher education while the Lumina Foundation and Gallup found that most Americans still value degrees.   

Our Thoughts 

I grouped these two articles together because they both highlight the growing public demand for accountability and transparency in college affordability and outcomes. As we’ve discussed in past posts, frustration over the rising cost of higher education continues to grow, with many questioning the burden of student debt and the measurable return on investment. If we take an honest look at the sector, it’s clear that we have work to do. Not just in improving affordability, but also in demonstrating the long-term value of higher education beyond immediate economic returns.  

At the same time, there’s a deeper conflict in how Americans perceive education. We champion the idea of education as a public good, something that enriches individuals and society. Yet, we often struggle to reconcile that ideal with the reality of its cost. The cost of higher education isn’t just about facilities or administrative expenses; it also reflects the expertise required to deliver it. We expect educators, advisors, and counselors to have various advanced degrees, which often require years of specialized study. Faculty members do more than just teach. They conduct research, mentor students, and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Similarly, specialized staff such as career counselors and academic advisors engage in ongoing professional development to support student success. This level of expertise comes at a cost. If we want students to receive a high-quality education, we must recognize that investing in faculty and academic resources is essential to maintaining that standard.  

Additionally, although the net cost of higher education has decreased over the past decade, the increasing advertised costs have led many to view it through a purely transactional lens, focusing only on the credential. This shift in perception raises important questions. Are we prioritizing credentials over actual learning? Have we reached a point where the value of higher education is being reduced to a simple cost-benefit analysis, where earning potential is the only metric that matters? While it’s critical for institutions to ensure their graduates can secure stable employment, it’s equally important to maintain the broader purpose of education—developing critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners.  

Today, institutions face heightened pressure to provide transparent, demonstrable outcomes while ensuring affordability. To rebuild public trust, colleges and universities must not only prove that a degree is worth the investment but also reaffirm that education itself, beyond the credential, remains valuable. That means rethinking how we measure success, improving access to lifelong learning, and ensuring that students leave with the skills and knowledge to thrive, not just in their careers but in all aspects of life. At the same time, we need to have honest conversations about the realities of educational costs and the expertise required to deliver a meaningful, high-quality education. Only by bridging this gap in public perception can we create a system that is both accessible and sustainable. 

Online Degree Costs Compared 

From Most college students are taking online classes, but they’re paying just as much as in-person students | The Hechinger Report  

Jon Marcus explores why online degree programs are often the same price as on-campus ones.  

Our Thoughts  

Understanding the costs associated with online learning is complex. A month ago, we explored the significant cost variability in online education and the challenges of constructing a standardized cost model. Without the ability to construct accurate cost comparisons across institutions, debates persist over whether online courses should be cheaper than in-person instruction. In some ways, the discussion about online course costs also connects to our second set of articles on accountability and transparency in higher education costs.    

A common misconception is that online education should inherently cost less, which is probably based on the idea that online retail often offers cheaper alternatives than brick-and-mortar stores. For example, a book purchased online from a retailer is often more affordable than buying the same book from the retailer’s physical store. However, this comparison overlooks key differences between physical goods and services like education.    

While online retail benefits from lower operational costs such as rent, utilities, and staffing, online education does not necessarily see the same reductions. Many online programs require additional investments in instructional design, technology infrastructure, and ongoing course maintenance to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Developing an effective online course often involves specialized instructional designers, multimedia content creators, and IT support staff, all of whom contribute to the overall cost. Unlike a physical classroom that may require only occasional updates, an online course often needs frequent revisions and technological upgrades to remain relevant and functional.    

Additionally, the core educational component of a course, which is the instructor’s knowledge and expertise, remains a fixed cost regardless of whether the course is in person or online. Faculty salaries do not change simply because a course is delivered in a virtual format. While some argue that online courses should be able to accommodate more students than in-person classes, there is a limit before quality diminishes. Large enrollments reduce opportunities for meaningful instructor-student interaction, personalized feedback, and engagement, which are crucial for a successful learning experience.    

Ultimately, the assumption that online education should be cheaper does not fully account for the investments required to develop and sustain high-quality digital learning environments. Rather than focusing only on cost comparisons, the conversation should shift toward the value of education, ensuring that both online and in-person courses provide meaningful and high-quality learning experiences for students.