Are Progressive Higher Education Institutions Capable of Real Change in the 21st Century?

These days, many people are losing trust in institutions. Most are struggling to maintain a favorability rating above 50%, except for the military and small businesses. This trend is worrying since no society can thrive without strong institutions. Yet, some of these institutions haven’t earned the public’s trust.

One of the biggest issues lies in higher education. For centuries, colleges have stuck to outdated methods. Today, many graduates find themselves deep in debt and not prepared for the job market.

But there is a glimmer of hope for higher education.

The Trump administration’s Department of Education is gearing up to introduce fresh policies that will shake up the higher education system. This is a chance for Utah and other states to benefit from new ideas that prioritize innovation and adaptability.

We’re really facing an education crisis. Research shows that more young men are skipping college due to rising costs and a lack of clear benefits. Meanwhile, many employers are reluctant to hire recent grads, doubting their communication skills and overall readiness for work. Colleges aren’t meeting the expectations of preparing students for today’s demanding jobs.

In Utah, some institutions are leading the way in finding solutions. They are teaming up with employers and tech companies to create online programs that match job market needs. For example, Western Governors University (WGU) in Millcreek offers affordable tuition—about half the national average—by delivering entirely online courses designed for modern careers.

Similarly, Southern Utah University recently launched an affordable online degree program, making it easier for students to pursue nursing degrees. The University of Utah is also stepping up, teaming with edX to introduce boot camps focused on artificial intelligence, preparing students for exciting new roles in the field.

The Utah Legislature is also engaging in efforts to reform higher education. They’re looking to cut unnecessary programs and ensure that students are getting good value for their investment. The president of the University of Utah has expressed urgency in preparing students for a changing job market.

However, the environment supporting these positive changes is fragile. A revenue-sharing exception created during the Obama administration allowed schools to partner with online program managers, helping them to launch innovative programs without facing heavy initial costs. Unfortunately, the Biden administration moved to restrict these partnerships, putting future innovations at risk.

Now that Biden officials are out, there’s an opportunity to foster a friendly environment for innovation. As the Trump administration aims to reform education, they can look to Utah’s successes as models. By securing partnerships between educational institutions, tech companies, and government, we can create the changes that higher education needs.

Institutions are essential to society. Those that are struggling must show that they deserve another chance.