Special Report

The recession has worsened already widening inequalities of access and affordability
in higher education. Could it also trigger a new grand bargain?

America needs to do a much better job of increasing its college enrollment and graduation rates, especially for less advantaged students.

Many more young people could succeed at college if given the chance. But public policy has been raising hurdles rather than increasing access.

A battered industrial city is leading the way in preparing all schoolchildren to succeed in college.

Community colleges are being asked to provide everything from second chances to vocational education. Is America ready to help them succeed?

Policy reforms to increase student success.

Yes — with fundamental internal reforms and a new vision of their role in higher education.

Why students need to work less and study more.

If we want more economic opportunity and equality, a better-skilled work force is only one element among many.

Rebuilding our economy on the back of illegal working conditions is morally untenable — and it is bad economics.