Few issues concern students, tuition-paying parents and politicians as much as affordability. Rising debt levels scare off many who would benefit from a higher education. Parents from low-income and middle-income families – fear that opportunities are out of reach. College administrators must address these concerns – but also pay the bills that are (in part) paid by tuition revenue.

This webcast will explore how these issues are playing out in public and private higher education. Some states are making bold promises about free tuition, while others are moving to embrace radical shifts in structure that could limit expenses. In private higher education, the options vary widely – and differ by the wealth and competitiveness of the colleges.

And amid all the discussion of colleges’ big economic decisions, many experts say that student decisions – whatever college they opt to attend – play a key role. So efforts to help students make wise decisions about debt and to graduate on time have become more crucial.