All of this is a thought experiment, not a prediction of a likely or desired future. The peak model may founder on emerging developments, such as a popular resurgence in support for higher education, or the appearance of hitherto unused cost cutting measures or a major growth in nontraditional age enrollments. Instead of a major peak, the data touched on in this article could represent only a blip or hiccup in a continuing story of American higher education’s growth. But until such developments emerge, we should consider the peak higher education explanation of real data and present trendlines. It is, at least, a provocation to get us thinking about campus strategy in new, if darker ways.
For those interested in tracking the impact of the declines in funding and enrollments, see Ray's daily Recession Reality Blog: http://recessionreality.blogspot.com/ .
http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2014/04/07/essay-considers-whether-higher-education-us-has-peaked
