For Whom Are Universities Remaining? - 1/07/2026

Abstract

Universities have long been described as "places of learning" and "investments in the future." However, in reality, many universities continue to operate at a loss, leaving their research results and educational effectiveness unclear. This paper uses metaphors and logic that are relatable to everyday life to explore who actually benefits from universities' continued existence and who quietly bears the costs. Without dismissing their good intentions and ideals, it peels back the layers of the underlying mechanisms.

Keywords

University, Reduction, Youth, Rural Areas, Degrees

Are Universities "Public Treasures"?

When discussing universities, certain phrases always crop up: "Centers of Knowledge," "Human Resource Development," "Local Lighthouses." All of these are easy to hear and difficult to argue against. Whenever talk of reducing universities arises, voices are raised arguing that "doing so will weaken the country" and "it will rob young people of their futures."

This narrative portrays universities as being like giant libraries or hospitals. In other words, the premise is that it is something that everyone benefits from and is worth protecting. Many people will nod along this line.

But let's imagine a familiar scenario.

The Unprofitable Shop That Won't Close

There's a small restaurant in front of the station. Customers are sparse, and the food isn't particularly tasty. Still, the restaurant hasn't closed for years. When asked why, they say, "If this restaurant closed, the town would become deserted," or "It's a place for young people."

The owner enjoys a stable salary. Suppliers also have plenty of work. The landlord also receives rent. Meanwhile, the people who actually attend are regulars and their parents, paying high prices without really understanding what's going on.

The situation at many universities is similar.

Who is protected, and who supports them?

The survival of universities means that the people involved in their operations enjoy the most stable daily lives. Their titles, workplaces, and roles remain unchanged, and they're rarely subject to harsh external scrutiny. For the local community, the mere fact that a university exists provides a sense of security.

But what about the students? By the time they reach the age of 18, many students are barely given the option of not going to college. Not going to college is often perceived as laziness or failure. As a result, they commit high tuition fees and several years of time before carefully considering the options.

It's important to note here that time spent at university doesn't necessarily make life easier later on. Outside of certain universities, a diploma carries limited weight.

What the average hides

You've probably heard that "those who go to college will earn more over their lifetime." This isn't a lie. However, this figure is heavily influenced by a small number of successful students.

At many universities, there's no direct connection between what students learn and their careers. Many enter the workforce without feeling that their tuition and time are worth it. Yet, when we talk about "universities as a whole," individual realities are obscured.

Invisible Payments = A Perpetual System ÷ A Position Where It's Hard to Speak Out

The Strange Relationship Between Community and University

In rural areas, universities are seen as symbols of employment and population maintenance. However, the presence of universities does not necessarily revitalize the community. In fact, the more places lack other industries to rely on, the more they cling to the name "university."

As a result, universities become not "places of creation" but "devices that appear to slow decline." While change is postponed, young people alone lose the ability to venture out.

A Question with No Escape

At this point, the question becomes simple: Do universities really exist for the students currently enrolled? Or are they being preserved to protect unchangeable systems and positions?

It's not uncommon for systems that began with good intentions to unwittingly become barriers protecting the daily lives of others. Universities are no exception.

While the quiet continuation of universities provides some with peace of mind, it also consumes the time and money of others. When we realize this situation, the premise that "preserving universities is a good thing" will no longer resonate as comfortably as it once did.