The real reason why people are losing trust in universities
Preview:
The national debate over trust in higher education is too narrowly focused on elite institutions that serve a small fraction of students, while the real crisis is unfolding at the open-access and less selective colleges attended by the vast majority of Americans. Chronically underfunded, these institutions struggle with low completion rates and offer little financial aid, leaving millions of students with debt and no degree. Restoring public trust requires redirecting attention and resources toward the institutions serving low- and middle-income students, not relitigating campus culture wars at the Ivy League.
Originally published: May 12, 2026
Author: Elizabeth H. Bradley
Position: President
Institution: Vassar College
Published by: USA Today