There's a third path here which the author ignores, but is already well underway both online and throughout the rest of the world - an increased emphasis on non-degreed training programs. Yes, the "for-profit" education model is rife with its own problems, but for much of the world, many don't have the option to attend a 4 year degree school and beyond. For those who don't (or increasingly, won't due to rising costs and lower advantages) the option to get skill specific training for their job or specific interests is becoming increasingly attractive.
Even big time universities are getting into this - witness executive programs offered by many prestigious programs. On the flip side, companies like Treehouse and more exotic options like MOOCs and "learn a language as a service" style instruction are becoming formidable, low risk options.
I think the future will see a reversion to 4 year institutions serving those students who always used to go to college, a reduction in the amenities arms race that others on this thread have pointed out, and an increasingly level playing field (and better perception) of those people who didn't go to college, but do have highly valuable (and demonstrable) skills acquired through for-profit teaching avenues.
Many here will find this distasteful. That's OK. Many who are over 40 find internet dating inherently distasteful too, but that hasn't changed the perception among younger people or stopped its explosion as a real alternative to traditional dating.
Disclosure: I work for an educational technology company who serves a lot of commercial training providers but also many four year institutions.
Even big time universities are getting into this - witness executive programs offered by many prestigious programs. On the flip side, companies like Treehouse and more exotic options like MOOCs and "learn a language as a service" style instruction are becoming formidable, low risk options.
I think the future will see a reversion to 4 year institutions serving those students who always used to go to college, a reduction in the amenities arms race that others on this thread have pointed out, and an increasingly level playing field (and better perception) of those people who didn't go to college, but do have highly valuable (and demonstrable) skills acquired through for-profit teaching avenues.
Many here will find this distasteful. That's OK. Many who are over 40 find internet dating inherently distasteful too, but that hasn't changed the perception among younger people or stopped its explosion as a real alternative to traditional dating.
Disclosure: I work for an educational technology company who serves a lot of commercial training providers but also many four year institutions.