The History of Higher Education in America: A 400-Year Journey
Higher education in America has a long and storied history. It is a history that has been shaped by the people, events, and ideas that have come together to form the unique American experience. From the earliest days of the colonies to the present day, higher education in America has been an ever-evolving journey.
In March of this year, EdSurge published my article outlining the nearly 400-year history of higher education in America, how that past shapes the present, and what the future might hold. This article will serve as an overview of the key points of that article.
The first college in America was Harvard, founded in 1636. Harvard was the first of what would become a long line of colleges and universities in the United States. In the colonial period, higher education was largely focused on preparing students for ministry and other religious vocations.
The American Revolution brought about a shift in the focus of higher education. The new nation was in need of educated citizens to help build a new society, and so colleges began to focus more on the liberal arts and sciences. This shift was further solidified by the founding of the first public university, the University of Virginia, in 1819.
The 19th century saw a further expansion of higher education in America. New colleges and universities were founded, and the focus of higher education shifted to include more practical and professional training. This period also saw the emergence of the modern research university, with the founding of Johns Hopkins University in 1876.
The 20th century saw a further expansion of higher education in America. The GI Bill, passed in 1944, provided veterans with the opportunity to attend college, and the number of college-educated Americans increased dramatically. The 1960s saw the emergence of the modern community college, and the 1970s saw the emergence of for-profit colleges.
Today, higher education in America is more accessible than ever before. There are now more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, offering a wide range of educational opportunities. The focus of higher education has shifted to include more practical and professional training, and there are now more options for students to pursue their educational goals.
The history of higher education in America is a long and storied one. It is a history that has been shaped by the people, events, and ideas that have come together to form the unique American experience. From the earliest days of the colonies to the present day, higher education in America has been an ever-evolving journey.
The future of higher education in America is uncertain. The cost of college is rising, and there are concerns about the quality of education being offered. But one thing is certain: higher education in America will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the nation.
Higher education in America has come a long way in the past 400 years. It has been shaped by the people, events, and ideas that have come together to form the unique American experience. It is a journey that will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the nation. As we look to the future, let us remember the past and use it to guide us as we continue our journey.
