The Arbiters Of College Success

Colleges have played an important role in American development and progress since before it even existed as a country. From the early universities of Harvard and Yale to newer institutions like Rice University and UCLA, colleges have been part of American life for generations, and those with degrees carry them as a symbol of pride and success. However, those living in the 21st century are starting to question the role that colleges have established for themselves. Prospective students are beginning to wonder whether colleges are still the arbiters of success they claim to be. In an effort to bring light to the issue, viewing the role of college in the past is essential. America’s first college was Harvard, founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts

With the entire contiguous United States settled, colleges had opportunity to spring up anywhere. Important places we know today like Stanford University and U.C. Berkeley began to be rise to prominence. The new industrial era in America led to this upsurge. With more, specialized things necessary to know for certain occupations, the college system took hold on the American youth and gave them a path to pursue their desires. Along with technological advancement, the beginnings of a well-endowed populous gave rise to exceeding philanthropy, and the creation of universities with lots of financial support. With this support, colleges would be able to research new technologies and areas of thought, and provided a whole new generation with a path to success. Private players were also able to enter the market with ease. Many extremely reputable schools like Brown and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology emerged to prominence at the time, and the creation of the Association of American Universities allowed for a connection and flow of information that would bring America to its next technological

Although it was a time of great military technological advancement in these places, the lack of men due to the world wars took a toll on the system. However, this lack of men in higher education led to the ability of women to begin enjoying the college experience, and finding success in their lives without the dependency on their “other half.” Post ‘40s America was a breeding ground for information. It has been referred to as the “Golden Age” of the American University. From the Free Speech Movement started at U.C. Berkeley to the creation of the Community College system, California was leading the way into the 20th century’s second half. Federal funding also became more widespread in this period after the passing of the “G.I. Bill.” Federally funded research would lead us again into a new technological boom, and community colleges gave citizens even more access to the routes to success that higher education could give. Since their founding, colleges have played an important role in American history. They have provided everyday Americans with the ability to become great, and paved the way for our nation to do so as well. If higher education is truly unnecessary today, it will be the end of a very long road. The college held it’s honor and respect for 300 years, and a post-college world would be a very different