A growing debate questions whether the traditional American university model remains a sustainable path for future generations, as rising costs and shifting economic priorities cast doubt on higher education’s long-term value. One columnist explores this tension by imagining a hypothetical scenario: whether their own child would still pursue a college degree in 2035. The six-part series examines structural challenges within the system, from affordability to evolving career demands, prompting readers to reconsider the assumptions behind higher education’s role in success. For those invested in the future of academia—or questioning its relevance—this reflection offers a provocative starting point.
This is part of a series of columns about the viability of the American university system. When I started this six-week-long series by asking whether my daughter would be attending college in 2035, ...
