Get creative to reduce college costs - Democrat and Chronicle

The high cost of attending college, and graduating with big debts, have become common themes in the Occupy Wall Street movement. But changing the cost structure of higher education will take a fundamental re-thinking of how these institutions operate. A push from President Barack Obama can help, as evidenced by a White House brainstorming last Monday that included SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. Colleges and universities nationwide already have slashed programs and limited enrollments as they've dealt with state budget cuts. But those are quick fixes, not fundamental transformations. Obama should consider what the federal government can do to incentivize creative thinking.