"It takes four years just to learn the role and then another couple of years to figure out what to do with it," James Birge says, who will soon retire from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Experts say "behind-the-scenes" discounting through merit aid and grants has become widespread, though inconsistent formulas leave families seeking transparency.

Experts say the move could eliminate the federal government's power to cancel educational loans

Strategic partnerships, increased investment in technology and operational consolidations lead the push for greater efficiency and innovation.