Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Samuels's argument is a persuasive and informative introduction to the higher education industry."
* Publishers Weekly *
"Adding his voice to a growing chorus of critiques of the state of higher education, Samuels, a prolific blogger on the subject of higher education, seeks to convince his readers of the disconnect between the cost of tuition and the quality of instruction and, furthermore, that a high-quality combination of research and instruction could be maintained without the need for tuition at all. He explains how a large portion of tuition dollars go toward administration costs, research, noneducational programs (e.g., athletics, recreational extras, etc., and technology.) Samuels also points out that many universities are making risky investments and borrowing large sums to fund construction of new facilities that do not necessarily enhance learning and to increase compensation to already highly paid faculty and administrators. He argues that if current government funding to higher education were used more effectively, public institutions could be tuition free.
Samuels presents a thought-provoking case for reform, and his book will appeal to anyone concerned with the current and/or future state of higher education in the United States." * Library Journal *
"The important message of
Why Public Higher Education Should Be Free is that the solutions to current problems of higher education cannot be achieved...until institutional priorities change." * Academe *
"Bracing and incisive, Samuels offers that rare call to arms that speaks simultaneously to faculty, students, parents,
and administrators." -- Marc Bousquet * author of How the University Works *
"In this important and timely book, Samuels makes a powerful case for fundamental reforms in higher education that are critical not only for the future of the American university but also for the future of our nation and the world at large." -- Mark Bracher * author of Radical Pedagogy: Identity, Generativity, and Social Transformation *
