<p>So, let’s say one accepts the notion that Mr. 29 Degrees and Counting is wasting public resources. What’s the solution? Seems to me it could cost taxpayers more to come up with a fair process to prevent excessive degree collection than it costs them to suffer this guy’s obsession. What is an acceptable number of degrees? What do degree-seekers need to pledge to prove they are not intending to waste public resources? What is the rationale for keeping people from endlessly seeking degrees, and how do we make sure whatever system we put in place is fairly applied (i.e., not discriminatory based on age, gender, etc., etc.)?</p>
<p>Of course, on a micro level, it would be pretty easy for the next program to which he applies to stop him with a firm, “No way, daddy-o.” (Heck, who knows how many programs haven’t already done so.) But if the programs have no incentive to do so and are not held accountable for using public monies responsibly, however you wish to define that, is that this guy’s problem? Or the problem of anyone who has sought refuge in graduate school while waiting out a bad economy?</p>