The economic state of higher education and the social and political forces that threaten it are examined. College attendance and employment patterns since the 1960's and projected trends for the 1980's are considered. Projections of a shift in employment patterns and a deteriorated market for college graduates are thought to indicate the need for new educational policies. Reasons for current dissatisfaction with the level of support for higher education, from the point of view of institutions, faculties, and students, and prospects for each group if the current level of support continues are discussed. It is suggested that the changing demographic conditions that affect enrollments are likely to force some institutions to close their doors, and to produce a major downturn in the fortunes of faculty members. The following approaches to student financing are considered: the laissez faire economists' approach, the Swedish model, and the eclectic model. Policy with respect to work-and-study opportunities, the lack of suitable jobs for Ph.D's, and the potential of research universities to conduct research is considered. Responses by Joseph N. Crowley and Michael D. Usdan are included. (SW)