The Conversation on Higher Ed: Navigating College’s Biggest Challenges

Higher education is at a crossroads. With rising costs, declining enrollment, and growing skepticism about its value, many students and families are asking: Is college still worth it?

The Conversation on Higher Ed tackles this question head-on, offering a well-researched, thought-provoking guide to the challenges and opportunities facing students today. Edited by education policy expert Mary Churchill, this book brings together top scholars and journalists from The Conversation to explore everything from college affordability to the role of higher education in democracy.

What’s Inside?

This isn’t just another book about college rankings or test scores. The Conversation on Higher Ed addresses meaningful issues shaping the future of education, including:

• The College Enrollment Crisis – College attendance rates are dropping, especially among men and lower-income students. What’s behind this decline, and what can be done to reverse it? The book examines the "enrollment cliff" caused by demographic shifts and changing perceptions of higher education’s value.
• Affordability & Student Debt – With student loan debt surpassing $1.7 trillion, affordability is a major concern. The book explores tuition-free community college programs, the rise of dual enrollment in high school, and the potential impact of federal student loan forgiveness. It also offers practical advice on navigating financial aid, choosing the right institution, and understanding loan repayment options.
• The Changing Value of a Degree – Does a college degree still lead to higher earnings and job security? Research presented in the book confirms that, on average, college graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those without degrees. But the book also asks: Is a degree still the best path for everyone? It explores alternative career pathways, including trade schools, apprenticeships, and employer-sponsored education programs.
• Inequality & Access – Who gets left behind when college becomes more expensive? The book takes a close look at the barriers facing first-generation students, students of color, and those from lower-income backgrounds. It examines how direct admissions, early college programs, and test-optional policies are making college more accessible—but also where gaps remain.
• Academic Freedom, and Free Speech – College campuses have long been battlegrounds for political and social debates. Today, higher education is facing increasing pressure from both the left and right, with controversies over diversity initiatives, free speech policies, and government interference in curricula. The book provides a balanced look at how these tensions impact students, faculty, and the future of academic institutions.
• Technology, AI, and Online Learning – The rapid rise of artificial intelligence and online education is changing how students learn. The book explores whether AI-powered tutoring, virtual classrooms, and alternative credentials can replace—or enhance—the traditional college experience.

At a time when the future of higher education is fragile and tenuous, The Conversation on Higher Ed is an essential read for anyone invested in the future of learning. It doesn’t just highlight the problems—it also offers ideas, solutions, and hope for the next generation of students. With expert perspectives, data-driven analysis, and real-world stories, this book goes beyond the headlines to examine what’s really happening in higher education—and what we can do to shape a better future for students, educators, and society as a whole.