Two conveniently juxtaposable views on universities today, from two billionaires.

First, Michael Bloomberg made a $350 million commitment to his alma mater Johns Hopkins, which he credits with establishing his future as a leader. The contribution brings his total philanthropy to Johns Hopkins to $1.1 billion. In addition to funding need-based financial aid, Bloomberg's donations have made possible a physics building, a school of public health, a children's hospital, a stem-cell research institute, a malaria institute, and a library wing.

Second, Mark Cuban wonders in the Huffington Post, Will Your College Go Out of Business Before You Graduate?. In addition to suggesting that today's young people and their families "avoid the mess schools are creating for themselves and for those who take the old school way to college graduation," Cuban also marvels, incredulous: "Why in the world are schools building new buildings?"