Download Colonial Higher Education, 1636

Colonial Higher Education, 1636-1784
EDU 657
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Even today college finances take a considerable critical thinking skills when thinking about
higher education and if it’s worth all the debt. However, back in the colonial era your family
already had the money to get you an education at an England college such as Oxford and
Cambridge. There did come a time when governments decided to build and invest in colonial
colleges. Puritans emphasized that citizens needed to learn clergy and an educated civil
leadership. This brought about Harvard in 1636.
Religion was impetus in the creation of higher education in the colonial era. This initiated
growth and opportunities to the new world. Colonial colleges were small in size rarely enrolling
more than 100 students with even fewer graduating. However, these men that attended colonial
colleges made historical efforts and extraordinary contributions to the society.
Therefore, colonial leaders used agriculture and raw materials to get the means to build such
great colleges for higher education here in the new world. The British Empire requested that the
Virginia save their souls. Queens encouraged for the new colonies to export such materials as
tobacco, indigo, rice, cotton, but colleges also flourished in America.
Only white men were allowed to go to the colonial colleges. Women and African Americans
were not allowed access to participate in higher education. Native Americans were allowed
missionary capacities. To keep financial support these colonial colleges had to stress that by
educating young Christian men, missionaries would be available to preach Christianity to Native
Americans. Despite many challenges the colonial colleges were able to educate American elites.
Today, many people have the opportunities to get a higher education. However, it is crucial to
take into consideration the finances that come with a higher education if you do not come from a
wealthy family or get scholarships. Higher education is expensive and continues to rise in cost.
The government now offers financial assistance to educate people that are willing to study and
participate in studies to achieve a higher education. The interest on these loans continues to rise
and with the economy as it is now it makes it difficult for new graduates to get on the path to
their career choice. Higher education is at every corner. However, it is still essential to getting
closer to a better life and make a career instead of working at the local fast food restaurant.
Reference:
Berger, J. B. (2012). Higher Education in the United States. Retrieved from: <a
href="http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/2044/Higher-Education-in-UnitedStates.html">Higher Education in the United States - HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT,
SYSTEM</a>
Thelin, J.R.(2011). A History of American Higher Education. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: The
John Hopkins University Press.