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Harvard University's fight with President Donald Trump is in the spotlight right now, but the public's growing frustration with higher education stems from many things, including the staggering cost of an education and the rise of student debt, as well as the obsession with rankings that prioritize access over outcomes.
The return on investment of various institutions and degrees has been questioned too. A recent Pew poll showed that nearly a third of America doesn't think college is worth the cost at all, and about half thinks it's only worth it if there are no loans involved. Even if financial returns aren't necessarily the primary purpose of learning, it's a relatable complaint.
But young adults who want to continue their education aren't limited to the traditional four-year programs that are too often seen as the norm. Many alternatives are found in the American West.
