OPINION: The real measure of a university’s value

By: Joanne Li

Outlets: Nebraska Examiner

Published: February 27, 2026

Words: 650

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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Public universities are in a perception crisis.

A 2025 Pew survey found 70% of Americans say higher education is heading in the wrong direction. But if your only interactions with universities are through the latest headlines you see, who can blame you?

People are rightfully asking hard questions: What is the purpose of higher education? Where is the return on investment? What are students, taxpayers and communities getting in return? When was the last time …

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