James Brown delves into the pressing issue of declining college enrollment and the difficult choices facing higher education institutions in America. As colleges become more expensive and some programs face cuts, students like Christina Westman find their educational paths disrupted. Brown highlights various factors contributing to this trend, including the drying up of Covid relief funds, the allure of immediate employment due to rising wages, and the increasing availability of online education options. He also addresses the cultural shifts and economic pressures, such as the impact of AI on job markets and the burden of student loans, which make college less appealing to many young people. Despite acknowledging the personal benefits he gained from his own college experience, Brown questions whether traditional college education is the best path for everyone and urges a more tailored approach to education that considers individual interests and needs.
In which American colleges are changing quick as enrollment drops.
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James Brown delves into the complex and evolving landscape of higher education in America, shedding light on the myriad challenges facing colleges today. With enrollment numbers declining and small colleges shuttering their doors, Brown paints a vivid picture of an industry in turmoil. He explores the financial strain on students and parents, exacerbated by rising tuition costs and the drying up of COVID relief funds. Brown also examines cultural and economic shifts, such as the lure of immediate employment opportunities and the impact of the AI revolution on entry-level jobs. He shares personal anecdotes and reflections, questioning the traditional path of college education and advocating for a more personalized approach to learning that aligns with the diverse aspirations and needs of young people today.
Takeaways:
Many young people are opting out of college due to high costs and changing job markets.
Colleges are facing declining enrollments, leading to program cuts and even closures.
The availability of online courses offers flexible learning options outside traditional college settings.
Cultural and economic shifts are influencing more young men, especially black men, to skip college.
The looming AI revolution could impact entry-level jobs, further affecting college enrollment decisions.
Education should be tailored to individual interests, not just defaulting to college as the only path.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Niagara University
Transcripts
James Brown:
Saying no to college.
James Brown:
This is commentary from James Brown.
James Brown:
Colleges across America are facing tough decisions.
James Brown:
These schools are more expensive than ever at a time where the average parent and students are stretched to the bone.
James Brown:
Enrollment is down on average, small colleges are closing while majors and classes are being slashed everywhere.
James Brown:
Ouch.
James Brown:
It's a painful reality.
James Brown:
Students like Christina Westman had their dreams crushed when her music therapy program was eliminated at St.
James Brown:
Cloud State.
James Brown:
She's now scrambling to transfer schools.
James Brown:
Why is this happening?
James Brown:
It's never one thing, of course.
James Brown:
Covid relief funds are drying up as relatively high paying jobs and a growing minimum wage are luring college students who are on the borderline directly into the workforce.
James Brown:
Online courses and tutorials are new, flexible options for some potential college students.
James Brown:
Then there's the culture war.
James Brown:
Year after year, fewer young men choose college, especially black men like myself.
James Brown:
It's been that way for at least a decade.
James Brown:
All this as uneven campuses became hotbeds for a new generation of protests, as well as their well documented widespread adoption of safe spaces, trigger warnings, and speech codes.
James Brown:
You may think these are good things, but if you're not a progressive, you might not be comfortable in a world run by them.
James Brown:
Then there's the economy.
James Brown:
Add the looming AI revolution, which many believe will kill a lot of entry level jobs, a decreasing birth rate, and watching your parents and older relatives struggle with student loans for literal decades.
James Brown:
All while most of us don't get to do what they want to do or what they went to school for.
James Brown:
Taking all that into account, this seems inevitable.
James Brown:
No wonder kids are saying no to colleges.
James Brown:
As Chris Rock once put it, I wouldnt do it, but I understand I have mixed feelings about this.
James Brown:
I benefited greatly from the college experience.
James Brown:
Niagara University is a big reason why I escape multigenerational poverty.
James Brown:
Its partly responsible for my career in media and marketing.
James Brown:
Ive got to work for companies I grew up watching, reading, and listening to.
James Brown:
And more importantly, going to college got me away from where I grew up.
James Brown:
It was really expensive, but I needed all that.
James Brown:
But even 20 years ago, when I stepped on that campus, it was obvious that college wasn't for everybody.
James Brown:
Too many of my friends and fellow students were there because they didn't know what else to do, or their parents didn't give them a choice.
James Brown:
This is what we gotta get better at.
James Brown:
We must tailor education, especially pre college education, to the wants and interests of every young person.
James Brown:
If college makes sense, so be it.
James Brown:
But for the:
James Brown:
What do you think?
James Brown:
Are you sending your kid to college?
James Brown:
And do you think kids should go at all?
James Brown:
And by the way, how should our educational system work?
James Brown:
Big questions, no wrong answers?
James Brown:
Share your thoughts in the comments and support my work at jamesbrowntv dot substek.com.
James Brown:
on that note, I'm James Brown, and as always, be well.
