Confidence in higher ed

According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are now divided among those who say they have a great deal of confidence (36%), some confidence (32%), and little or no confidence (32%) in higher education. Lower levels of confidence in higher education stem primarily from concerns in three areas: too much focus on political agendas, failing to teach relevant skills, and being too expensive. I'd like to address each of these.

First, I'd like to address the 41% of Americans who say colleges are “too liberal,” trying to “indoctrinate” or “brainwash” students, or not allowing them to think for themselves. I think this is the least valid of the concerns expressed. I think there is a dedicated campaign to tarnish colleges and universities with these stereotypes. I listened to a recent podcast hosted by a popular commentator who claimed, citing it as an example of "liberal brainwashing," that Stanford University is banning the use of "every other word," including the word "American." This is false. I strongly caution students and their parents against taking "news" segments like this at face value.

Second, many colleges are adapting their curricula, especially in pre-professional programs, to prepare students for the twenty-first century job market. But I also wouldn't be dismissive of traditional liberal arts degrees in subjects such as philosophy, history, rhetoric and composition, and literature. These subjects teach students to think critically, analyze language, write, and speak—skills that are extremely useful on the job market.

Finally, concerns about the rising cost of college are, I think, the most valid of the main ones respondents identified. I believe a college education ought to be regarded as an investment, and students and their parents should weigh return on investment as they consider any specific college or university. I encourage families to be especially wary of taking out large sums of money in student loans, as these can saddle a student with long-term financial implications long past their collegiate years.

In short, I advise care and caution, but I remain positive about the benefits of a college education. Reach out to learn more!

#iec #pnacac