Not long ago, pursuing a college degree seemed like an obvious choice. It represented the clearest pathway to success, the natural progression after high school graduation, and a badge of determination and drive. Families saved for it, schools guided students toward it, and American culture embraced it as more than just an economic decision—it was a transformative experience, a gateway to social advancement, and a vital component of democratic participation.
Today, that widespread agreement is crumbling. College enrollment has declined significantly. Public confidence in higher education continues to weaken. For countless students and their families, the fundamental pledge of university education—that it will deliver a richer, more prosperous, and more stable future—has become increasingly questionable.
This special edition of Deseret Magazine examines three interconnected challenges that are reshaping American higher education's trajectory: escalating costs, diminishing relevance, and a loss of purpose. We've brought together educational experts from diverse backgrounds to tackle the most urgent questions confronting families today: Does the financial investment justify the returns? Will higher education adequately prepare students for their careers? And what kind of individuals will emerge from these institutions?
Voices from the Education Community
Restoring Purpose and Community
Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who leads the Church Educational System for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, begins our examination by advocating for a return to purpose-driven education. In an era marked by declining religious participation and widespread emotional disconnection, Gilbert contends that universities with strong faith foundations or faith-welcoming environments provide something young adults urgently require: genuine community, frameworks for spiritual growth, and profound meaning.
Evolving to Meet Modern Demands
Ted Mitchell, who heads the American Council on Education (ACE), along with former ACE senior vice president Derrick Anderson, address the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. They maintain that higher education still has tremendous value to offer, but institutions must adapt and transform. While defending the essential civic and democratic functions of colleges and universities, they emphasize the critical need to better synchronize academic programs with contemporary workplace requirements.
Making College Financially Viable
Economist Beth Akers presents innovative approaches to the affordability crisis. She frames it as the "return on investment dilemma"—the widening disconnect between educational costs and the actual value of degrees in the job market. However, Akers remains optimistic: through improved data transparency, realistic expectations, and enhanced financial education, students can still make informed decisions that serve their long-term interests.
Reclaiming Moral Leadership
David A. Hoag, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, examines the meaning crisis from an institutional leadership standpoint. He reflects on how universities historically viewed themselves as ethical communities—environments where students could grow not only academically but also spiritually and morally. Revitalizing this foundational identity, he suggests, may be essential for rebuilding public trust and genuinely transforming lives.
A Path Forward
These perspectives collectively indicate that American higher education can still be salvaged, but transformation is essential. This means creating institutions that are financially accessible, professionally relevant, and anchored in clear purpose. It also demands a renewed national dialogue about the fundamental purpose of college education—considering not only its economic benefits but its moral and societal contributions as well.
The conversation about higher education's future has never been more critical. The choices we make today will determine whether these institutions continue to serve as engines of opportunity and growth, or whether they become increasingly irrelevant to the lives and aspirations of future generations.