Freakonomics Radio
What Exactly Is College For? (Update)
Aug 15, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Ruth Simmons, the former president of Smith College and Brown University, examines the evolving role of higher education in America. She highlights the market-like behavior of colleges competing for prestige, while addressing the widening gap between elite institutions and community colleges. Simmons emphasizes the transformative power of education, particularly for underrepresented communities, and the crucial support offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The conversation raises vital questions about access, inequality, and the true purpose of college.
50:15
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Quick takeaways
- Higher education faces declining public trust and participation, impacting the accessibility and perceived value of college in society.
- Elite universities dominate the narrative while community colleges and HBCUs play a crucial role in promoting upward mobility for underrepresented students.
Deep dives
The State of Higher Education
Higher education in the U.S. faces significant challenges, including stagnating enrollment, university closures, and declining trust among the public. Recent years have seen a slight uptick in enrollment after a decline, but overall participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. Trust issues have arisen from political divisiveness, with both sides of the spectrum expressing concerns about the current direction of colleges. Institutions, particularly elite universities, now grapple with maintaining their reputations while accommodating a diverse range of student voices amid increasing unrest around contentious social issues.
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