The history of universities, especially the American system, are a fascinating study in a century plus of institutional evolution.
Even the universities with particular mutations (New School, Olin) have evolved in fascinating ways.
Broadly, university evolution is:
1. Real estate development
2. Sports
3. Research grants
4. Brand
5. Source of vetted early talent
6. International tuition dollars
Almost none of what a university is economically designed to do is ensure students are trained for success in their career and life.
If there’s any directly relevant student benefit, it is certification - a fairly benign benefit.
What’s critical to grok is that universities are quite literally accredited based on how similar they look & behave to their peers.
Even the universities with particular mutations (New School, Olin) have evolved in fascinating ways.
Broadly, university evolution is:
1. Real estate development 2. Sports 3. Research grants 4. Brand 5. Source of vetted early talent 6. International tuition dollars
Almost none of what a university is economically designed to do is ensure students are trained for success in their career and life.
If there’s any directly relevant student benefit, it is certification - a fairly benign benefit.
What’s critical to grok is that universities are quite literally accredited based on how similar they look & behave to their peers.