The U.S. public university system is facing a crisis and much of the discussion centers on student debt. However, student debt is just one symptom of the actual problem confronting universities.

I'm a firm believer that the more knowledge you acquire, whether through college, trade school or self-study, the richer your life will be. But as college tuition and fees continue to skyrocket, students and parents increasingly are asking, "Is a degree really worth the cost?"