Most college students in the United States attend public universities, community colleges, and other less prestigious institutions where issues such as funding, access to resources, and student support are far more pressing. However, legislative debates and policy-making efforts frequently spotlight the Ivy League and similar schools. This skewed focus can lead to policies that fail to address the broader challenges facing higher education, such as affordability, student debt, and ensuring equitable access for all students regardless of their socioeconomic background.

For example, recent discussions around endowment taxation and financial aid policies have centered on high-profile universities with massive endowments. While these discussions are important, they overshadow the financial struggles faced by many public institutions that serve more diverse student bodies. These schools often operate on tighter budgets and are more affected by state funding cuts and fluctuating enrollment numbers. Consequently, when Congress enacts broad-brush policies based on the characteristics of elite institutions, it can inadvertently neglect or even harm the majority of colleges that play a crucial role in providing accessible education to millions.

Moreover, this targeted approach fails to recognize the varying missions of different types of institutions across the higher education landscape. Community colleges, for instance, emphasize workforce development and often cater to non-traditional students who may be working full-time jobs while pursuing their studies. Policies designed with elite institutions in mind may not account for these different missions and could undermine efforts to support such students effectively.

To create more equitable and effective higher education policies, Congress must broaden its perspective to include a wider range of institutions. Lawmakers should engage with public universities, community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and regional schools to gain a fuller understanding of their unique challenges and needs. By doing so, Congress can develop comprehensive strategies that bolster the entire higher education system rather than disproportionately benefiting an elite few.

In conclusion, while elite universities have their place in American higher education and undoubtedly contribute significantly to research and innovation, they represent only a small slice of the sector. For policies to be truly representative and beneficial across the board, Congress needs to shift its focus towards understanding and addressing the diverse realities faced by all types of higher education institutions. Only through such an inclusive approach can we ensure that higher education continues to be a powerful engine for social mobility and economic success for everyone.