I perceive a widespread, cynical belief that the primary purposes of higher education are things like signaling, credentials, and networking. Students who accep

I perceive a widespread, cynical belief that the primary purposes of higher education are things like signaling, credentials, and networking. Students who accept this belief are whom I refer to as tragically misled. It's not unthinkable that they're in the majority. On the other hand, I think a fructifying education is up for grabs at virtually any college. I told my kids that a large state university is like a tiny elite academy, hidden in plain sight within a giant party school. Don't get me wrong, I know many people had bad college experiences, and that higher education is ripe for reform.