A16z Podcast

Key Takeaways 

• Universities still matter, especially the really good ones; the decisions made at elite universities end up influencing the future of the country 
• The bundling of the university is evidence that it has evolved; however, it is important for university leaders to continually evaluate that bundle to ensure that it makes sense
• The main credentialing of the college degree is in two parts: the fact that you were admitted and the fact that you graduated 
• The admissions process is an IQ test and the graduation process is a conscientiousness test 
• For many degrees, the degree is worth less than the wage that it will command in the free market 
• University tuition rates have increased 2-3x more than the general inflation rate; if current trends continue, the cost of a four-year education at an elite university will cost $1M
• Increasingly, the policy recommendations that come out of the think tank component of universities are sharply partisan and extreme
• Stanford and Yale have more administrative staff than they have students! 
• Universities are highly dependent on their current model continuing indefinitely; they are not as fiscally stable as they may seem from the outside perspective 
• In 2015, 57% of American voters had a positive view of American universities; in 2023, that number fell to 36% 
• Entrepreneurial opportunities tend to emerge when an industry experiences systemic shifts 

Read the full notes @ podcastnotes.org

In this one-on-one conversation, Marc and Ben tackle the university system – what has certainly been a hot topic that’s been dominating the news over the past few months. As Marc states at the top of the episode, universities matter tremendously to our world, but they’re currently in a state of crisis.

Together, Ben and Marc take a “structural” look at higher education, delving deep into the twelve functions of the modern university.  They also unpack the numerous challenges that universities face today – student debt and the replication crisis, among them. 

They also discuss topics including DEI, student athlete admissions, accreditation, inflation, and much more. 

As colleges face an existential threat that could have long lasting repercussions, how can we find ways to improve these institutions, while being open to new entrepreneurial opportunities in education?

Check out the Ben and Marc show: https://link.chtbl.com/benandmarc

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.