[...] we should view higher education in the United States as one of our most successful export industries. The United States has 5 percent of the world’s population but most of the best universities. Is it any wonder that students from many nations flock here to learn? And as they do so, they create opportunities for Americans — from the professors who teach the classes to the grounds crews who maintain the campuses.I couldn't agree more. I alluded to the University Economy a few weeks ago in my post about US Higher Education.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Greg Mankiw on Higher Education
Grew Mankiw comments on higher education in his latest NY Time piece:
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Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteREading this makes me ask, "Is there a way for the US to increase the gap and develop more remarkable high education institutions? If this is such a valuable export we should seek its continued development."
-Dano
There are many ways that our country can continue to grow our education sector as an export industry. First, we must continue to attract foreign students. We can do so through solid foreign relations with countries like China, India, and South Korea among others. Also, we must accommodate foreign students that study in the US by helping them make a smooth transition to our country(the student visa process, housing, financial aid, etc.) Lastly, our schools can also create programs that cater to the needs and interests of foreign students. The econ program at Vanderbilt seems to do just that! (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/econ/GPED/student/)
ReplyDeleteOf course, these efforts must be balanced with preparing our own youth to be successful in college. We don't want to crowd-out American citizens from acquiring a top-notch education. However, I think if Americans are college-ready after high school, colleges and universities will expand if needed. The problem is when a high school diploma does not mean college ready. That is when our youth are directly competing for a spot in college.