Introduction

‘Of Serfs and Lords: Why College Tuition is Creating a Debtor Class’ delves into the complexities surrounding the rising cost of college education. This compelling book reveals how a combination of policies, practices, and regulations has transformed higher education into an inefficient system that prioritizes the interests of tenured faculty and professional educators over those of students. Through rigorous analysis, statistics, and relevant examples, the author identifies the structural and cultural liberalism as the primary culprits behind skyrocketing tuition fees, coining this phenomenon the ‘tenure tax.’

Understanding the Tenure Tax

The author argues that the tenure tax emerges from an educational landscape that favors the elite—the faculty and administrators—while leaving students to navigate a burdensome financial landscape. This phenomenon is not only about rising costs but also about the quality and relevance of education offered. The book challenges readers to reconsider the value of their degrees in a job market that often demands practical skills over theoretical knowledge.

Finding Value in the Current System

Despite the systemic issues, the author emphasizes the importance of identifying value within the existing educational framework. By examining how institutions allocate resources and prioritize certain academic disciplines, readers can gain insights into potential reforms. The discussion includes practical recommendations to revamp hiring practices and adjust the relationship between universities and lenders.

Conclusion

‘Of Serfs and Lords’ serves as a critical examination of the contemporary college experience, urging stakeholders to rethink the structure of higher education. It calls for a collective effort to address the inefficiencies that have led to the creation of a debtor class, while promoting a dialogue on necessary reforms to ensure that education serves the interests of students rather than the elite few.