The University of Florida picked a president with experience at a neighboring flagship while Northwestern University hired its new leader away from another Big 10 institution.

Dual credit is often viewed as early exposure to college. Its real value is building momentum toward a certificate, degree or successful transfer.

With college athletics' popularity, ratings and revenues at all-time highs, the sidelines are filled with potential investors of all sorts.

Americans' outlook on the value of college is split between a belief in the power of a degree and serious doubts about affordability.