What's next?

The story of The College of Saint Rose is not an isolated incident—it is a symptom of a national crisis in higher education.

Across the United States, students face escalating tuition costs, unpredictable institutional closures, and a system that too often treats them as numbers rather than people. Entire communities are disrupted, faculty lose their positions, and the promise of stability that higher education is supposed to provide becomes fragile. The closure of a college is not just an inconvenience. It is a setback that jeopardizes students' academic progress, financial stability, and long-term career goals. The erosion of trust in higher education is growing, and with it, the belief that a college degree is an attainable path to opportunity is increasingly questioned.

Addressing this crisis requires coordinated action from multiple fronts...

The federal government and state administrations must prioritize policy reforms that ensure institutional stability, strengthen public funding, and make college tuition more affordable. These measures are critical to guarantee that higher education remains a right, not a privilege.

At the same time, large corporations must recognize their role in bridging the opportunity gap. Companies that benefit from a highly skilled workforce should invest in programs that support employees’ education. Rather than depending on low-wage labor with limited advancement, these corporations should provide clear pathways to degrees and career growth.

Protecting higher education is not just about preserving institutions. It is about securing the future of a society built on knowledge, innovation, and civic engagement. Students, faculty, and communities deserve leadership that places people over profit, policy over politics, and opportunity over uncertainty.