Ever since the federal government began subsidizing college with easy loans and grants for everyone, college leaders have enjoyed the fat years. But now that fewer young people are choosing college, they face lean years. They’ll need to cut costs or, as quite a number have, go out of business.

In today’s Martin Center article, we begin a series where experts discuss how schools can shed their fat and reduce costs. Rick Hess, Phil Magness, Mark Bauerlein, and Stan Ridgley share their insights.

Here’s one suggestion: get more work out of the faculty, many of whom teach very little.

Another: cut down the size of the “general education” curriculum, which has little to do with general education these days anyway.

And how about getting rid of the excess pounds of “social justice” flab?

Dieting won’t be popular, but it’s essential.