The History of Higher Education in America
Higher education in America has a long and storied history that stretches back centuries. It is a history that has seen the nation’s universities and colleges become some of the most prestigious and respected in the world, and one that has seen the landscape of higher education in America change and evolve in many ways.
EdSurge recently published an article outlining the nearly 400-year history of higher education in America, and how that past shapes the present and future of our nation’s higher education system. It is a fascinating story that highlights the important role that higher education has played in the development of the United States.
The earliest higher education institutions in what would become the United States were established in the 17th century, and were primarily intended to serve as seminaries for training clergy. Harvard, the nation’s oldest university, was founded in 1636 and was followed by Yale in 1701, the College of William and Mary in 1693, and many other universities. These early universities were established by wealthy colonists and were closely tied to religion.
As the colonies moved towards independence, higher education began to expand and diversify. By the early 19th century, universities such as Columbia, Princeton, and Penn had been established. These universities were primarily private institutions that served the wealthy elite.
The 19th century also saw the rise of public universities, which were established by state governments and funded by taxes. The first public university was the University of Virginia, founded in 1819. This was followed by the University of Michigan in 1817 and the University of California in 1868. These public universities were much more accessible to the average person than the private institutions, and they provided an important opportunity for those who could not afford the expensive private universities.
The 20th century saw a massive expansion of higher education in America. The G.I. Bill, passed in 1944, provided veterans with educational benefits that allowed them to attend college. This was a major factor in the growth of higher education in the United States, and it opened up the opportunity for a college education to many who had been previously denied access.
The 1960s saw a wave of civil rights legislation that opened up higher education to African Americans and other minority groups. The Higher Education Act of 1965 provided federal financial aid to college students, and this aid enabled more students to pursue a college degree.
Today, higher education in America is more diverse and accessible than ever before. There are thousands of colleges and universities across the country, ranging from small community colleges to large public research universities. Students have a wide range of options for pursuing a college degree, and there are many resources available to help them succeed.
Higher education in America has come a long way in the past 400 years, and it is clear that it will continue to evolve and adapt in the future. It is an exciting time for higher education, and the possibilities are endless. EdSurge’s article on the history of higher education in America is a great reminder of the importance and impact of higher education, and it is a reminder that the future of higher education in this country is in our hands.
