Fixing College: Time for Real Change

Higher education in America is in trouble. It's time for real change. Students are drowning in debt. Many graduates struggle to find jobs. The system isn't working. It's time to ask hard questions. Lawmakers are finally paying attention. They want to reform student loans and accreditation. This could be a big deal. For years, colleges have spent taxpayer money with little oversight. Tuition keeps rising. Administrators earn big salaries. Students get stuck with debt. The traditional college model is outdated. The cost of a four-year degree has doubled in 20 years. Student loan debt is over $1. 7 trillion. Employers say graduates lack basic skills. Something has to change. Accreditation bodies often block innovation. They protect old schools and stop new ones from competing. This hurts students. They need more options, not less. Some accreditors are starting to change. They want to focus on students, not just institutions.Accountability doesn't mean more rules. It means asking simple questions. Are students graduating on time? Are they finding good jobs? Are they growing as people? Schools should be judged on these things. Some colleges are already making changes. They offer affordable, practical education. They focus on real-world skills and character development. These schools are proving that change is possible. They show that students don't need to be burdened with debt. This is a chance for real reform. Students and families want change. Congress is asking the right questions. But it will take courage to follow through. Old institutions will resist. They'll say reform is dangerous. But reform isn't an attack on education. It's a way to make education better. The future of higher education depends on affordability and accountability. It's time to put students first. Congress has the chance to make real changes. They need to finish the job.