At least in colonial and the early United States the colleges were originally heavily oriented to training the clergy. Medical training came later, and lawyers

At least in colonial and the early United States the colleges were originally heavily oriented to training the clergy. Medical training came later, and lawyers for some time were trained by being apprenticed to practicing lawyers, e.g. Abraham Lincoln. Post Civil War, the four-year liberal arts education took on the role of finishing school for the children of the upper middle class. Vocational training was unnecessary, since they were expected to return, suitable spouse in tow, to the family business. The education, to the extent that it mattered, was to provide them with background for their role as leaders in society. Students preparing for science, engineering, and the other grubbier majors were looked down upon, particularly the students from the lower classes on scholarship.