"Two of the most visible and important trends in higher education today are its exploding costs and the rapid expansion of online learning. Could the growth in online courses slow the rising cost of college and help solve the crisis of affordability? In this short and incisive book, William G. Bowen, one of the foremost experts on the intersection of education and economics, explains why, despite his earlier skepticism, he now believes technology has the potential to help rein in costs without negatively affecting student learning."--Jacket.

Includes index.

Part 1. Costs and Productivity in Higher Education : Cost trends, the "Cost Disease," and Productivity in Higher Education ; Factors Other Than the Cost Disease Pushing Up Educational Costs ; Affordability ; Is There a Serious Problem-Even a Crisis? -- Part 2. Prospects for an Online Fix : Background; The Lack of Hard Evidence ; The Need for Customizable, Sustainable Platforms (or Tool Kits) ; The Need for New Mindsets-and Fresh Thinking about Decision-Making ; What Must We Retain? --Appendix: The Online Learning Landscape -- Discussion / Howard Gardner -- Discussion / John Hennessy -- William G. Bowen's responses to discussion session comments by Howard Gardner and John Hennessy -- Discussion / Andrew Delbanco -- Discussion / Daphne Koller -- William G. Bowen's responses to discussion session comments by Andrew Delbanco and Daphne Koller.