Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Richard Vedder, Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus at Ohio University. In this episode, Todd and Richard discuss the current affordability crisis in higher ed, the idea of free college, and alternative ways for students to finance their education.

Topics Discussed:

Why college enrollments have declined in the past decade

How the rise of student loans in the 1970s led to massive tuition increases and student debt

Why prestigious universities continue to grow

The impact of the free college movement

The benefits of implementing a college exit exam for graduates

Guest Bio

Richard Vedder is a Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus at Ohio University and Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute. He is well known for his work as an economic historian with a focus on the economics of higher ed. Previously, he served on the Spellings Commission on the Future of Higher Education, ran the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, and administered Forbes’ Best Colleges rankings.

Richard is also a prolific writer. He has authored over 200 scholarly papers and many books including, Going Broke by Degree: Why College Costs Too Much, Restoring the Promise: Higher Education in America, and Out of Work: Unemployment and Government in Twentieth-Century America.