Opinion

Elite colleges are losing America’s trust. Community colleges can win it back

What’s bad news for Harvard and Yale is a fantastic opportunity for community colleges and certification programs

By Dustin Siggins Fox News

Published June 19, 2026 5:00am EDT

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For decades, so-called top academic schools dominated the cultural conversation about higher education. But inflation and a tough economy have devastated many families’ savings, making affording four-year schools difficult, on top of the AI monster that seems to be eating white-collar jobs alive. 

This perfect storm has crushed trust in "elite" schools. But what’s bad news for Harvard and Yale is a fantastic opportunity for community colleges and certification programs across the country to position themselves as the best solution to young Americans’ financial and career concerns. 

Elite schools still command prestige, of course. They boast extensive professional networks and deep pockets that can drastically lower six-figure annual prices, and many government and private loans promise college access in exchange for higher incomes as one’s career progresses.

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