This depends largely on the state, and whether it's a public or private school. Because for some schools, it's all about that FTE (Full Time Equivalent, a meas

This depends largely on the state, and whether it's a public or private school. Because for some schools, it's all about that FTE (Full Time Equivalent, a measure of how many students are taking how many classes, and how some state schools get their chunk of funding.) And while FTE isn't directly related to attendance more State legislatures/University boards are combining the two and want to make sure that their funds are being spent wisely and students are actually in class. Also accrediting bodies like to know that students are actually showing up as well. So while taking attendance is silly for college students, it's not a waste of time or silly for the powers that be. (I know this because my friends who teach are now being chastised if they don't keep daily attendance records.)