Concerns Over American Higher Education Prompt Congressional Priorities
There’s a significant issue within American higher education, and it seems this year, Washington may be ready to address it.
Recently, Congressional leaders shared their policy priorities for 2026, placing higher education near the forefront for the first time in years. From reforms in student loans to changes in accreditation, it appears the days of unchecked funding and political favor for oversized educational institutions might be coming to an end.
And rightly so. For a long time, many universities have enjoyed substantial taxpayer funding without much accountability. Tuition is soaring, administrative expenses are escalating, and a troubling number of graduates leave school burdened by debt, with no clear future in sight.
As the president of Southeastern University, I believe it’s crucial to reshape higher education to better meet student needs. This means offering affordable, goal-oriented programs that genuinely prepare students for real-world challenges—not just theoretical knowledge. It also involves rethinking accreditation processes that often safeguard established interests. Moreover, we need support for institutions that focus on practical learning, character growth, and tangible benefits for students and taxpayers alike.
Changing Times for College Students
The conventional education model no longer serves its purpose. In fact, the average cost of a four-year degree has more than doubled over the last generation. Student loan debt now surpasses $1.7 trillion, and many employers still claim graduates lack fundamental skills necessary for the workplace, including communication and critical thinking.
Meanwhile, accreditors have fostered an environment that favors uniformity over innovation, protecting traditional schools from change while hindering newer or faith-based institutions from competing. This dynamic results in less diversity, more ideological conformity, and fewer choices for families exploring alternatives. This system seems designed to benefit institutions rather than students, and that must change. There are, fortunately, accrediting bodies—like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)—that, under new leadership, are starting to challenge this status quo and promote changes that genuinely aid students.
Accountability doesn’t translate to increased federal bureaucracy. It’s about posing straightforward, sensible questions: Are students graduating on time? Are they obtaining meaningful employment? Are they developing a sense of responsibility and leadership?
The Need for High-Quality Education
We should champion institutions that deliver quality education at an affordable price. It’s also important to encourage the growth of trade schools, Christian universities, and other nontraditional programs without imposing outdated criteria that restrict their evolution.
At Southeastern University, we’ve crafted an approach that melds vocational guidance, experiential learning, and a strong foundation of Christian leadership. We collaborate with employers and community leaders to ensure students gain hands-on experience before they even graduate, while maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates in this sector.
This isn’t just a theoretical model—it works. And we’re not alone in this effort. Purpose-driven universities nationwide demonstrate that educating the population can occur without excessive debt or ideological constraints on students.
This represents a rare chance for transformation. Students are asking for more, families are losing faith, and Congress is finally engaging in meaningful dialogue.
However, substantial change demands courage. The very organizations that have contributed to the current challenges will likely resist efforts for reform. They’ll claim changes are risky, that oversight is unnecessary, and that questioning the existing system equates to an attack on higher education itself.
But that’s not true. Instead, it aligns with the foundational intent of higher education: to provide pathways to truth, service, and opportunity.
Ultimately, the future of American higher education won’t thrive by clinging to debt and bureaucracy. True progress will come from decisive leadership that prioritizes affordability, accountability, and the purpose behind every student’s journey.
Congress is on the right path. Now, they must continue working to prioritize students above all.
