What's The Problem?

Maybe there is a wall of separation at the Minneapolis Star Tribune.  In Sunday's (6/26) Opinion section is a glowing Editorial on the record of departing University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks, among the U's best they say.  But in the lead story on page one, staff writer Jenna Ross finds considerable trouble in paradise.  It seems that the U has been cost-shifting, over charging those who can ostensibly pay to subsidize those who apparently cannot pay. (Article requires subscription to view online.)

No wonder tutition has doubled in fewer than 10 years.  Before you blame the Governor or the Legislatures involved, I refer you to a Powerline post showing that the U's overall budget has doubled the past 12 years despite all that presumed austerity.

Still, I must ask: what's the problem?  Bruininks is doing what Progressives were born to do, taking from the haves, giving to the have nots.  In this case, though, the haves are students, not taxpayers per se.  And you can go another school if you want.

The problem is obvious.  The parents of the students can see the money when they write the checks or take out the loans.  No wonder even Democrats are now asking: is this fair?  Is this sustainable?  LIberalism demands that someone else like a fat cat Republican pay!

But seriously, why should the University be in the welfare business at all?  Why shouldn't all students pay the same tuition, fees, room and board, the sole exception being for residency?  If the poor need assistance, give them scholarships via a welfare office, not the U.  Of course, that should mean they're good at any Minnesota institution, not just the U.

The Star Tribune will be running follow up stories this week, like whether the University's administration is very top heavy as some charge.  I hope the Editorial Board is following this series.

 

Comments

[The Big Stink]

Higher education has been insulated from market forces for decades. The availability of Pell Grants and other instruments of funding have done nothing to keep costs in check. On the contrary, the ready access to grants has given profs and colleges a green light to increase their compensation with impugnity.