In order to achieve this we will need to dramatically re-evaluate our priorities for higher education. Although it is empirically true that college administrations and associated costs have grown in recent decades, we have much higher expectations of colleges today than we did 30+ years ago. Health centers, rec centers, dining halls, transportation agreements, student clubs, etc., all contribute to a need for...more administration. So long as colleges have to compete for the funding students supply, they're in an arms race to have at least some minimum of amenities that modern students have been conditioned to expect. Judging by enrollment trends, "rigorous academics" is not ranked favorably in the decision of where to attend.

This is one of the reasons that I favor increased public funding of public universities and junior colleges, because many students would forego elaborate benefits in exchange for lower costs -- especially after watching Millenials take on a lifetime of debt to finance an expensive "pre-adult" development phase. I think there is plenty of room in the market for private colleges (who can spend their money however they like), but public schools should have more modest expectations of what they provide.