The William G. Bowen Series - 63: College

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As the commercialization of American higher education grows, students increasingly seek college solely for preprofessional credentials, threatening the traditional four-year experience that fosters exploration and personal growth. Prominent cultural critic Andrew Delbanco defends the value of a true college education, warning that it risks becoming a privilege for the wealthy. He argues for the importance of making such education accessible to all, as it is essential to America's democratic promise. In a compelling historical narrative, Delbanco traces the origins of the college concept from the Puritan gathered church in the colonial period to its challenges in the nineteenth century, as well as its gradual opening to women, minorities, and low-income students in the twentieth century. He highlights the unique strengths of American colleges in today's globalized world, advocating for a broadly humanistic education even as science, technology, and vocational studies gain prominence. Recognizing the financial, intellectual, and ethical challenges facing colleges today, Delbanco emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard these institutions for future generations.