The United States has fallen from its precipice of leader in graduation rates in higher education since the 1980s argues Suzanne Mettler in her new book, "Degrees of Inequality: How the Politics of Higher Education Sabotaged the American Dream."
The public divestment of states has left many universities with less and less money, relying more and more on students to make up the difference. The result has been exploding costs and debt for students.
Low-income students that are increasingly priced out of the system are turning to for-profit universities. The Obama administration has cracked down on for-profit schools, saying they are leaving the most vulnerable students with large debts and worthless degrees.
At the heart of the matter: Is higher education a public good or a private one? How can we solve the problem of higher education in America?
Guest:
- Suzanne Mettler, Cornell University professor of government and author of "Degrees of Inequality: How the Politics of Higher Education Sabotaged the American Dream"
*This is the second segment in the April 22 edition of The Source, which airs at 3 p.m. on KSTX 89.1 FM -- audio from this show will be posted by 5:30 p.m.
