Should higher education primarily be seen as a public service, raising the level of education, knowledge, and culture in society? Or, should it be seen primarily as a “private good,” enabling individuals to get ahead in work and life?

Should higher education primarily be seen as a public service, raising the level of education, knowledge, and culture in society? Or, should it be seen primarily as a “private good,” enabling individuals to get ahead in work and life?

Depending on the answer to this question, who should provide, and pay for, higher education—the government, businesses, the individual, or some other entity?

Does it make a difference what kind of institution we are talking about? Consider the types of institutions described in the “Overview of U.S. Higher Education” presentation. Do some types of institutions have different purposes, and therefore imply different responsibilities, than others?

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