The cost and the value of higher education, the short- and long-term impact of student debt, the role of career preparation, and accountability for student outcomes are the subject of intense and increasing examination and debate. As challenging as these times may be, it is still imperative to maintain access, be cost effective, be contemporary in providing an excellent and relevant education, and at the same time, intentionally prepare students for life and for the world of work. This must be done while holding true to the important values and larger social purposes that guide the nation's institutions, aggressively protecting the quality of what is taught. With federal support for student aid now in excess of $150 billion per year, with overwhelming demand at both state and federal levels for too few resources, with seemingly permanent dysfunction in Congress, and with aging populations and business communities not supportive of increases in taxes, the pressure on education to provide value will likely only grow. This article describes a number of ways that could mitigate some of the challenges.