Why college enrollment numbers are down. And how one solution to climate change could threaten an endangered species.
Feb 2026
A surprise Kennedy Center makeover
In his second term, President Donald Trump has gone on a mission to reinvent the Kennedy Center, the beloved performing arts venue in Washington, D.C.Trump promised to overhaul the center’s programming. He installed loyalists on the board who made him chairman. In December, Trump ... Show More
18m 40s
Feb 2026
A teddy bear, an ice skate: What remains from last year's deadly D.C. plane crash
In late January of last year, an American Eagle flight and a U.S. Army helicopter collided above the Potomac River, killing everyone aboard both aircraft. It was the deadliest flight disaster in the U.S. in decades.A year later, families and first responders are reflecting on the ... Show More
15m 19s
May 2022
503. What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men?
<p>Educators and economists tell us all the reasons college enrollment has been dropping, especially for men, and how to stop the bleeding. (Part 4 of “<i>Freakonomics Radio</i> Goes Back to School.”)</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm. ... Show More
48m 27s
Aug 2021
Fading Beacon: Why America is Losing International Students
Colleges and universities in the United States attract more than a million international students a year. Higher education is one of America’s top service exports, generating $42 billion in revenue. But the money spigot is closing. The pandemic, visa restrictions, rising tuition ... Show More
51m 5s
Aug 2024
What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men? (Update)
<p>Educators and economists tell us all the reasons college enrollment has been dropping, especially for men, and how to stop the bleeding. (Part 3 of our series from 2022, “<a href="https://freakonomics.com/freakonomics-radio-goes-back-to-school/"><i>Freakonomics Radio </i>Goes ... Show More
49m 17s
Aug 2025
Why So Many Parents Are Opting Out of Public Schools
<p>Across the country, public schools are facing steep declines in enrollment, while the movement to use public funds for private education grows.</p><p>Dana Goldstein, who covers education and families for The New York Times, explains why so many parents are using taxpayer money ... Show More
29m 35s
Aug 2020
University presidents on the future of education
It’s that time of the year when students typically descend upon university campuses around the country — moving into dorm rooms, filling up stadiums, cramming into classrooms and swelling small towns to capacity. Unfortunately, that is not the college scene this year. After the c ... Show More
36m 14s