National tertiary-education systems are in a period of transition worldwide. Numerous systems have grown dramatically in enrollments and many have undergone structural reforms. Often, these organizational changes flow in the direction of greater privatization in association with increased accountability for performance on various dimensions. This essay outlines the growing movement in that direction in the U.S. and examines the trends’ implications for management, enrollment, stratification, pay, and staffing in that country. Conclusions focus on broader questions of the public good.

Keywords: Tertiary education, Privatization, Accountability, Reform, Markets