

Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.
Expertise
- Admissions
- Athletics
- School rankings
- University leadership
- Graduate education
- History of higher education
- Fundraising and alumni relations
- College public relations and marketing
Education
- Ed.M. and Ed.D. Higher Education, Harvard University
- B.A. American History, University of Pennsylvania
Affiliations
- Lecturer, Johns Hopkins University
- Alumni Admissions Ambassador, University of Pennsylvania
Academic Publications
- Center for Law and Social Policy cites Mark's reporting Ivy League athletic scholarships.
- European Scientific Journal cites Mark's reporting on "should college athletes be paid?"
- Georgetown Journal of Law & Public Policy cites Mark's reporting on the 2019 college admissions scandal.
- UCLA Law Review cites Mark's reporting on affirmative action cases.
Other Publications
- …But Fear Grad School (Baltimore Sun)
- Single-Minded Students Can Miss Opportunities Of College (Hartford Courant)
- Forum: Newly packaged major finding flavor (New Haven Register)
- A One-Man Completion Agenda (Inside Higher Ed)
- Playing Philanthropist (Chronicle of Higher Education)
- 'Good Jobs' will increasingly require a bachelor's degree (Billings Gazette)
Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D., is a lead writer and higher education analyst with BestColleges. His writing covers such topics as college admissions and enrollment, standardized testing, financial aid, athletics, artificial intelligence, alternative credentials, graduate education, college rankings, and philanthropy.
Mark teaches writing at Johns Hopkins University and has 30 years of experience in higher education as a university administrator and faculty member. A former columnist for The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed, Mark has written articles, essays, op-eds, and humor for dozens of publications and websites.
In addition to covering higher education news, Mark writes opinion and analysis features, drawing on his extensive experience in and knowledge of the industry. Mark is the author of three books, the latest of which, “Postcards From Pillston,” offers a satirical, timely take on today’s higher education landscape.
Mark has also served as a communications consultant to colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations nationwide.
He holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in American history from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s and doctorate in higher education from Harvard University.
Media Mentions
- Forbes cites Mark’s reporting on Hartwick College.
- American Enterprise Institute cites Mark’s reporting on U.S. higher education quality.
- Chronicle of Higher Education cites Mark’s reporting on adjutant vs. tenured professors.
- Congressional Research Service cites Mark’s reporting on affirmative action.
- FX Media cites Mark’s reporting on higher education in the Metaverse.
- The New York Times cites Mark’s reporting on university profits from athletics.
Read Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.'s Latest Articles

Congress Investigating Ivy League for Antitrust Violations
Republicans in Congress are accusing Ivy League schools of antitrust violations in the latest political attack on elite higher education.
April 16, 2025
Should College Be Free?
Despite having bipartisan support and public favorability, the issue of free college remains contentious.
April 16, 2025
12 Crazy College Commencement Traditions
College graduation season features an array of peculiar traditions on America's college campuses.
April 14, 2025
U.S. News 2025 Graduate Rankings Feature Surprises
Despite inciting controversy and boycotts, the U.S. News graduate rankings remain influential.
April 14, 2025
Commencement Speakers for 2025
The lineup for spring 2025 commencement speakers includes politicians, activists, academics, authors, actors, musicians, film producers, athletes, motivational speakers, and business leaders.
April 10, 2025