Two Cheers for Higher Education: Why American Universities Are Stronger Than Ever

In response to criticism about the relevance of colleges, Brint (sociology & public policy, Univ. of California, Riverside) reveals the hidden strengths of higher education. He notes that academic literature is a significant part of public discourse and that professors are more likely than any other occupational group to be quoted as authorities in the New York Times. The author also acknowledges the challenges universities face, including declining academic expectations and students flocking to business, health, and government studies rather than the humanities. He uses detailed data and extensive examples to attack misconceptions about social class and race, staff-to-faculty ratios, teaching reform, affordability, and student loans. Taking a sociological and public policy approach, he considers a broad range of economic, political, and cultural forces affecting education. The extensive reference list is further evidence of Brint's grounded and well-reasoned position.