What Is the Value?

In a time of economic uncertainty, many students are beginning to wonder: what is the value of getting a college or university degree? As these leading thinkers contend, higher education represents more than just career preparation: it unlocks the power of knowledge.

American Higher Education: An Obligation to the Future

By Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corporation of New York

Is higher education meant to help develop an inquiring mind and a deep appreciation for the value of how knowledge enriches one’s lifelong personal and professional achievements—or, should it be simply focused on gaining the skills to pursue a well paying career?

The Meaning of Liberal Education

By Robert A. Scott, President of Adelphi University

What is the purpose of college? Undergraduate education is and must be as much about character and citizenship as about careers and commerce.