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There is no doubt that the higher education scenario in US is not as bright as it was just a few years ago. From the perspective of colleges and universities, these institutions are increasingly pressurized of late to conduct their affairs in the manner of a business.

Businesses as we all know have to redefine their structure and revamp their system on a constant basis in order to succeed in this cut throat and competitive world. In spite of the fact that the recent financial crisis and the bailing out of many companies by the Government, colleges and  universities are deeply geared towards transforming the system of education and embrace a philosophy that is more business-like.

The trend is clearly evident with universities admitting businessmen rather than academicians into their boards. For example, the Colorado State University recently hired Joe Blake who is well known for his extensive business contacts than for his academic credentials. Even the search committee did not include any academicians. This clearly indicates that the university’s perspective is to run a system that is a billion dollar enterprise rather than a student friendly educational institution.

There is no doubt that the future is all about equipping students with a college degree in order to gain entry into lucrative jobs and careers. College education is definitely indispensible. However, the level of difficulty in accessing higher education in on the increase with more and more students forced to drop out without completing courses.

Public funds have declined and education costs have escalated to a great extent shifting the entire financial burden on to especially the lower and middle income students. It is an unfortunate situation where deserving and gifted students are forced to forego higher education due to severe financial constraints.

It is the urgent need of the day to make higher education affordable to students. Educators and leaders have to wake up before it is too late and they find a country that has a huge percentage of students who have not studied beyond a certain level.

It is time for higher education system to be transformed in a manner that it meets the immediate needs of aspiring students. There is of course a silver lining in the cloud. Universities and colleges have woken up and there are various flexible and affordable courses being offered now. These programs make it possible for students who have full time family obligations and jobs to choose convenient timings for their courses. The learning is also self paced and the student can complete his or her course at their own capacity.

A lot of universities have also introduced online and virtual education programs that the student can take advantage of right from his home. They can still procure college degrees eliminating the necessity to pursue a traditional education on campus.

While inputs and contributions from businesses are essential for higher education, there is no way the two can be integrated. They are two different pursuits. Business is run for profit while higher education is definitely not. Education must not ever be treated as a commodity and be made expensive and inaccessible to aspiring students.