The problem is that colleges are the new high schools. Colleges are only vaguely associated with education in any meaningful sense, and that is what people want. For many young people, partying and football are the essence of college.
Americans have to decide if this bloated system that leaves thousands of people in debt (and creates quite a few alcoholics in the process) is worth the expense. If we were really concerned about educating people, there are better ways to accomplish that than by means of college.
We also have to decide what we mean by education. Liberal arts and great books sort of education or job training? You can say both, but I doubt that many college kids are longing to become steeped in literature while they get a degree in “general studies” or “ethnic studies” or “sports management”.
The American education system is a farce based on a 19th century model that no longer works, and there will be no improvement or innovation until we get government out of education at all levels. I’m sad to say that will take a long time. Too many people are true believers in their local government school system. What a waste of time, money, and children.
That was a very thoughtful post.