I have written before about how challenging I find suggestions that college has no value. When research suggests that learning or critical thinking is not occurring on the college campus, I know that I see otherwise at my university, with my students. Does the academe have work to do? You bet. But creating a society of education privilege where only certain individuals are encouraged to pursue a degree is not an answer.
This Chronicle editorial suggests we are already creating that privilege by pricing a large portion of the population out of the higher education pool.
…going to college is worth it, but going to any college at any price may no longer be worth it. ~Jeff Selingo
But for another viewpoint here is an interesting debate of whether too many students are attending college. It highlights the argument that increased access to higher education has little influence on economic growth. And although I find this argument insulting to education and our students, it is worthy for discussion. Who decides who attends college?
To ask whether too many people are going to college begs another question: If too many people are going to college, then who are these people? How should we as a society ration a more restricted level of educational opportunity? ~Peter Sacks
Consider the students in your office today. Which ones could you single out as not being eligible for higher education?
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