Do College Rankings Matter and is a Bachelor’s Degree Even Worth It?

Measuring the True Value of Community Colleges: Jeff and Michael examine the complex world of community colleges and challenge traditional notions of success. Drawing from recent research by Strada Education Foundation, they explore the multifaceted roles these institutions play in students' lives and the importance of looking beyond degree completion rates to assess their true value. With insights from Strada’s Senior Vice President, Dave Clayton, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the value of community colleges and their vital role in empowering students personally and economically in the 21st century. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

28 min listen

Fighting for Free Speech on Campus: In this thought-provoking episode of Future U., we sit down with Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and co-author of the bestselling book "The Coddling of the American Mind," as well as the new book, "The Canceling of the American Mind." Lukianoff shares his insights on the state of free speech on college campuses and examines the rise of cancel culture, the debate over the limits of free expression, and the potential double standards in how universities approach these issues. He argues that certain campus trends, such as "safetyism" and the suppression of viewpoint diversity, may be harming student mental health and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of open inquiry, intellectual diversity, and the ability to challenge prevailing orthodoxies as essential components of a thriving university education. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Me by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

37 min listen

The Wild West of Dual Enrollment: Its Growth, Benefits, and Drawbacks: In this episode, Jeff and Michael dive into the complex world of dual enrollment, examining its rapid growth, potential benefits, and emerging challenges. They speak with John Fink, a senior research associate at the Community College Research Center, to understand the various dual enrollment arrangements, the students they serve, and the outcomes they achieve. The conversation also explores the financial incentives for districts and colleges, the concerns around course quality and rigor, and the implications for high school and college experiences. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

43 min listen

Apprenticeship in America: Rethinking the Role of Community Colleges: More and more business leaders, policy makers, and educators are looking to apprenticeships to prepare the American workforce for in-demand careers. The US system leans on its community colleges to facilitate these programs, but they have not always been the most effective quarterbacks. On this episode, we hear from two innovators helping community colleges better play their lead role in growing apprenticeship in America. We spoke with Mtichell Harp, Dean of Apprenticeship Programs at Trident Technical College, about the keys to his school’s thriving program. We also sat down with Pierre DuBuc, CEO of OpenClassrooms, about how community colleges are leveraging his company’s expertise and online learning platform to level up their apprenticeship programs. This episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

31 min listen

The Simplified FAFSA’s Complicated Rollout: Michael and Jeff go deep on the revised FAFSA and the challenges encountered in its rollout. They sat down with Andrew LaCasse, who helped develop the simplified FAFSA in his former role as a senior education policy advisor on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, to learn about the back-story behind the legislation and its underlying policy goals. They also spoke with John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University, about how they are supporting students through the delay and confusion caused by the FAFSA’s rocky rollout. The episode is sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

34 min listen

Testing, Athlete Labor & the FAFSA: Jeff and Michael dive into the higher ed acronyms that have been in the headlines these past few weeks: SAT/ACT, NLRB, and FAFSA. What's next for test-optional after announcements from Dartmouth and Yale; what does it mean that the Dartmouth men's basketball team is trying to unionize; and what will the impact be of the difficult FAFSA rollout. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

32 min listen

The Future of the PhD: Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn are joined by Dr. Len Cassuto, an author and professor at Fordham University, and focus their conversation on the role of PhD students and what the challenges in that part of academia might mean for higher ed. They dive into the subjects that Len explores in his new book, The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education, such as the changes that should be made to better prepare PhD students for their careers, and how universities might be exploiting free labor from students under the guise of an academic apprenticeship. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

43 min listen

“College Unbound” from the Traditional Model: Last season, Jeff and Michael explored the reinstatement of the Pell Grant for incarcerated learners. The question now is what’s next for these learners and where can they actually get to use their federal funds? In this episode, Jeff and Michael look at the innovative College Unbound model with co-founder and president Adam Bush and Jose Rodriguez, the assistant vice president for community and belonging. College Unbound is an accredited college with a single degree and a model that allows learning to happen wherever it happens, in kitchens or even in prisons. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

30 min listen

Reporters Roundtable: Enrollment, Loan Forgiveness, & FAFSA Simplified: The Hechinger Report’s Jon Marcus and Chris Quintana of USA Today join hosts Jeff and Michael for a roundtable discussion to talk about recent headlines in higher ed. Jon discusses the impact of lower birth rates in Japan on university enrollment, while Chris dives into the current state of the Biden Administration’s student loan debt repayment plans. Other topics include efforts by universities to articulate the value of higher ed, the rollout of the simplified FAFSA, and culture wars on campus. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

30 min listen

Student Success 2.0: How do you engage learners in the post-pandemic age? Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn are joined by Carrie Bartek, from Wake Technical Community College, and Randi Harris, from Portland State University, to ask some important questions: What has changed for students since the pandemic? And what needs to change moving forward to ensure students’ success? They consider the evolving landscape of higher education and the importance of addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of students to ensure their success in this new educational paradigm. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

34 min listen

How Small Schools Can Thrive As Higher Ed Changes: To kick off the new year, host Jeff Selingo welcomes Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University, for a conversation on the unique position of smaller universities in higher education. They discuss some vital concerns facing smaller universities like Simmons, such as combining less popular liberal arts majors, combatting dropping college enrollment numbers, and embracing online education programs. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

41 min listen

Season 7 Midterm Report: Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn wrap up 2023 by discussing some headlines in higher ed, including the reaction on campuses to the Israel-Hamas War, the big changes afoot at 2U, and more college closures. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

34 min listen

The Role of Higher Ed in the American Dream: New York Times columnist and author David Leonhardt discusses his new book, “Ours Was The Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream." In his conversation with Michael and Jeff, they talk about the impact of the high-school movement on the U.S. economy last century, what a similar higher ed movement might look like in this century, and why the value of the college is being questioned. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

49 min listen

Visiting Michigan: Balancing Local Impact with Global Reach: Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn take their conversation on the road with another stop on the Future U. Campus Tour, this time visiting the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. They sat down with president Santa Ono to discuss the future of higher education and Michigan's role in the local and global communities. Following that interview, Jeff and Michael had a discussion with a panel on a range of topics from sustainability to student wellness, and highlighting what it means in 2023 to be a public flagship with a national profile and serve the community at the same time. This episode is sponsored by Dell Technologies and Google Chrome OS. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

56 min listen

Leveraging Apprenticeships to Bolster the Rural Talent Pipeline: Part 2: In Part 2 of our conversation with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, we discuss why their model of the apprenticeship teacher is better than the traditional student-teacher model, how public universities that historically educated the bulk of teachers are following the Reach model, and how the idea can be scaled to other public-sector jobs in rural areas. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

31 min listen

Leveraging Apprenticeship to Bolster the Rural Talent Pipeline: Part 1: In too many rural areas, workers lack access to affordable training pathways to high-quality jobs. Jeff and Michael sit down with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, to learn about how Reach is addressing this challenge with an apprenticeship approach to teacher education. In the first of this two-part conversation, they discuss the theory and practice that informed Reach’s founding and the college’s innovative enrollment, training, and funding models. Michael considers how the Reach’s clear focus helps keep their costs low, and Jeff discusses the importance of career-connected learning. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

30 min listen

How Colleges Can Cultivate Relationships to Improve the Student Experience: Author Ana Homayoun joins hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn to discuss her new book "Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission." They ask what other measures for success should we consider for a student in higher ed beyond academics. The conversation explores expanding one’s social circles, networking, finding mentors, and developing life management skills. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

43 min listen

Future of Online Ed: Jeff and Michael are joined by the CEOs of Academic Partnerships, Fernando Bleichmar, and Coursera, Jeff Maggioncalda, to talk about the future of online learning, including a new study on ROI, the role of degrees vs. credentials in the job market, and what AI will mean for online ed. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

49 min listen

Deep into Data Analytics: In this episode, hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn delve into the world of data analytics, as they discuss the evolution of data science needs across various industries and how universities are preparing students to meet those needs in the workforce. They then offer hot takes on recent higher ed headlines, from disenchantment with higher ed to the lack of economic diversity at exclusive institutions. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

29 min listen

Community Colleges, the Value of Degrees, and Changes in Admissions: Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn review recent headlines around higher ed before they speak in person to a community college board at a retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. They compare the different value propositions of two- and four-year colleges and discuss government intervention into university mergers and acquisitions. Other topics they discuss include legacy admissions and the value of credentials from prestigious universities. And Jeff makes an exciting announcement: his new book! The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

36 min listen

Building Resilience in Students, Deliberately: Hosts Jeff and Michael are joined by President Jim Gash of Pepperdine University to discuss student resilience and mental health and Pepperdine’s attempt to proactively support students through its RISE (Resilience-Informed Skills Education) program. President Gash also spoke about the impact of cancel culture on student wellbeing and the importance of campuses being places where students grapple with difficult ideas with which they may not agree. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

44 min listen

Demise of Pac-12, Campus Spending and DeSantis at Yale: In the Season 7 kickoff episode of Future U, Jeff and Michael discuss the 'new normal' in higher education by digging into the summer headlines exploring enrollment losses, haves vs have-nots among campuses, and skepticism toward institutions. Michael weighs in on Ron DeSantis’s attacks on education using his time at Yale, Michael’s alma mater, as a basis for his criticisms of higher education. Jeff also discusses the ongoing shakeup in NCAA conference alignment and what they could mean for the future of universities that have depended on revenue from TV contracts. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

35 min listen

Promoting Belonging in Diverse Classrooms: In this special episode of the Future U Podcast, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo engage in a lively conversation with faculty members Crystal White from the University of Memphis, and Stephanie Speicher from Weber State University. The discussion, sponsored by Course Hero and recorded live during their annual summit, revolves around the need for leadership, connection, relevance, and a culture of care in higher education. The podcast delves into the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the classroom, as well as the disparity between the racial and ethnic diversity of faculty and students in U.S colleges and universities. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

39 min listen

Season 6: Final Report: Jeff and Michael look back on Season 6 and the stories they’ve covered, from college rankings and affirmative action to religion and student mental health. They each pick their favorite episode from this season and make predictions for what the higher ed headlines will be next season when Future U. resumes after its traditional summer hiatus. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

25 min listen

Visiting Marymount: Liberal Arts Education and What Really Prepares Students for the Future: On the Marymount University campus, Michael speaks with University President Irma Becerra about the university's decision to incorporate the liberal arts in the context of high-demand programs that result in jobs, while Jeff fields a panel discussion on how to keep Higher Ed current and how best to prepare students for their futures. This episode is made possible with support from Dell and Google ChromeOS. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

44 min listen

Higher Ed 101: Accreditation Explained: Far too often, individuals in higher education don't understand the nuances of how accreditors operate and the role they play in supporting—or constraining—institutions. Jeff and Michael welcome Barbara Brittingham, former president of the New England Commission on Higher Education, to give the history of accreditation, break down how accrediting agencies operate, show how they compare to one another, and delve into how they might evolve in the future with an eye toward how these organizations impact institutional transformation and support learners in achieving their education and career goals. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

56 min listen

Religion and Higher Education: Even as higher education in America has its roots in religion, over the centuries it's drifted away from those beginnings. And yet, as our guest informs us, enrollment at religious higher ed institutions has actually risen over the past 20 years, as these institutions serve as havens for young people looking for belonging. Jeff and Michael discuss the role of religion in higher education with Clark Gilbert, Commissioner of Education of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and hear him delve into the unique value that schools like these present to tackle some of the central challenges facing higher education, such as accessibility, affordability, and value. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

46 min listen

Learner Mobility and Transfer in Higher Ed: In a discussion with George Mason University president Dr. Gregory Washington, Jeff and Michael delve into a few ways to get to and through college: programs that allow students to more seamlessly move from community college to four-year college programs, the difficulties faced by transfer students, and the importance of presidential leadership to improve the situation. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

51 min listen

Future U Live from NAIS: At the recent National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) annual meeting, Debra Wilson, the incoming president of the NAIS, flips the script and interviews Jeff and Michael about key takeaways from the pandemic for schools and higher education, how mental health plays into students’ transition to college, and how colleges can encourage more students to enter the teaching profession. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

47 min listen

A Look Back at Governor Jeb Bush’s Florida Higher Ed Policies: With Florida politics and the current governor’s recent moves in higher ed attracting so much attention, we caught up with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush to add context to the current debates. Bush reflected on his own experiences, successes, and regrets when it comes to the high ed policies he championed. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero. by Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

43 min listen

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Do College Rankings Matter and is a Bachelor’s Degree Even Worth It?

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