May 1st, 2008

A bachelor’s degree is the ‘most overrated procuct’ in America

By Alvin Chang

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports:

Colleges are quick to argue that a college education is more about enlightenment than employment. That may be the biggest deception of all. Often there is a Grand Canyon of difference between the reality and what higher-education institutions, especially research ones, tout in their viewbooks and on their Web sites. Colleges and universities are businesses, and students are a cost item, while research is a profit center. As a result, many institutions tend to educate students in the cheapest way possible: large lecture classes, with necessary small classes staffed by rock-bottom-cost graduate students. (READ MORE)

In the midst of what John Sexton has been saying — that we are, for the better, a research institution — it looks like NYU might depending on its undergrads to fund the research part of its brand.

I see it this way: If an NYU diploma is worth more because of these research institutions, we really need to rethink higher education. Sadly, reputation matters in the job market — maybe more than it should — so, often time, universities can get away with pushing money toward research instead of education.

Educational institutions should focus on education, not branding their education. Yes, it’s part of the game, but this culture is not helping anyone — especially the students.

(Chronicle)

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