In addition to the reasons others have mentioned (high tuition costs and political and social indoctrination) a separate reason is universities are failing at providing useful, practical skill sets. A course on how to use a spreadsheet and other business software has much value, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A basic statistics course that includes, say, Darrel Huff’s “How to Lie with Statistics” has value to both the individual and society.

It would interesting to see if the reputation of community colleges have held up, as they have a bigger focus on offering practical courses and at a lower price point.