What’s the purpose of college?

There was a time in this country when going to college meant getting a good education.

Colleges had required courses – in math, in science, in the humanities, in history, in philosophy – – in many different subjects.  Students were required to take these classes in order to graduate with a well-rounded understanding of life.

Now – the whole idea of going to college – is to get a good paying job upon graduation.

When did the concept of going to college – – as a means to getting a good job – – become paramount over education and the making of a good citizen?

It’s true – – that those with a college degree will make hundreds of thousands of dollars more in their working lifetime then someone with just a high school diploma – – but that shouldn’t be the only reason one goes to college.

The idea that college is the only pathway to a good job happened when our blue collar jobs began to disappear and head overseas.

Prior to that time – – someone with just a high school education could make a good living in manufacturing or in the service industries.   But, when those jobs disappeared – – college became the way.

This is the pathway to nirvana became the watchword – – and thousands upon thousands of students flocked to college for the purpose of getting a good job.

The idea of a good education and becoming a well-rounded citizen was far from the minds of most.

Colleges – – eager to latch onto these newly converted college students – – began to lower admission standards – – eliminate previously required subjects – – and allowed an easier path towards a degree.

And, while some colleges lowered standards more than others – – all colleges were impacted.  Even the prestigious universities now tout how much money their graduates make upon entering the workforce.

But  – – our society suffered and continues to suffer – – by a lack of truly educated citizens – – many of whom have such a narrow focus that they no longer understand the commonalities which make us a unique country.

Getting a good job is a reason to go to college – – but it isn’t the only reason.

Our colleges need to stop bowing to the current crisis and put their feet back towards educating well-rounded citizens.