[8] The film questions the value of higher education in an era when the price of college has increased more than any other service in the United States.

These include: community colleges, four year universities, vocational schools, online courses, and less traditional forms of education.

"[10] Matt Goldberg in his review for Collider said that "Ivory Tower almost seems ambivalent about the college crisis, but it’s never cold or emotionless.

"[11] Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter gave the film a positive review, calling it "a stimulating and upsetting look at how high tuition and huge student loans have created a perfect storm over American colleges.

The website’s consensus reads: "Although Ivory Tower makes it clear that there isn't enough room in a 90-minute film to tackle spiraling student loan debt, it also serves as a compelling call for deeper investigation.