College at Risk by Andrew Delbanco: Critical Analysis

In book "College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be," Andrew Delbanco takes a hard look at the problems facing higher education in the U.S. today. He says that the main goal of colleges and universities - to shape young minds and morals - is in trouble. Why? Because of stuff like rising costs, the push for profits, and the fading importance of a liberal arts education. This essay will go over Delbanco's points and what they mean for the future of higher ed.

One big problem Delbanco talks about is how expensive college has become. He points out that higher tuition and more student debt make it tough for many to afford college. This is making the gap between rich and poor students even bigger. Delbanco thinks this trend not only keeps social inequality going but also messes with the core mission of colleges, which is to give everyone a fair shot.

On top of that, Delbanco talks about for-profit colleges making the cost problem worse. He criticizes these schools for caring more about profit than quality education and student well-being. Because of this, we see a lot of low-quality programs that leave students with lots of debt and not much else.

Another thing Delbanco worries about is the commercialization of higher ed. He says that because colleges are feeling more market pressure, they're losing their academic values. They're focusing too much on making money. This shift, Delbanco argues, messes with the independence and integrity of academic institutions, making them prioritize revenue over learning and critical thinking.

Delbanco also doesn't like how colleges are being run more like businesses than places of learning. He warns that this business-like approach hurts traditional values like academic freedom and intellectual curiosity. This leads to a sameness in educational experiences and a loss of different viewpoints.

A big point in Delbanco's book is the decline of a liberal arts education. He’s upset about the focus on job training and placement, which makes humanities and social sciences seem less important. Delbanco argues this trend takes away from the rich intellectual life on campuses and deprives students of the skills they need to navigate a complex world.

Delbanco pushes for a return to the liberal arts. He says they’re key to developing critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning. He argues that a well-rounded education, rooted in the humanities and social sciences, is crucial for creating responsible citizens who can handle tough issues and contribute to society.

Andrew Delbanco's book "College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be" gives a strong critique of today's higher education challenges. By highlighting issues like rising costs, commercialization, and the decline in liberal arts, Delbanco shows the need for change in colleges and universities. His book is a call to action for educators, policymakers, and the public to tackle these issues and bring back the main mission of higher ed as a transformative and enlightening experience for all students.