From the Academy

For American colleges and universities, the era of bricks and mortar is almost ended. From the end of the Second World War until a year or two ago, enrollments moved swiftly upward—in part because university and college presidents delighted in a growth that was quantitative merely. The Federal Government, besides, dished out money profusely in grants or loans for laboratories, classroom buildings, dormitories—everything except chapels.

Now, however, enrollments have begun to shrink—or to remain static at best. Many prospective students and their parents have concluded that college is a snare and a delusion. The unemployment of recent graduates in education, engineering, and other disciplines persuades many high-school graduates to look for jobs, not places at college.

RK

About the Author

Russell Kirk

Featured Tags

William F. Buckley Jr.

For American colleges and universities, the era of bricks and mortar is almost ended. From the end of the Second World War until a year or two ago, enrollments moved swiftly upward—in part because university and college presidents delighted in a growth that was quantitative merely. The Federal Government, besides, dished out money profusely in grants or loans for laboratories, classroom buildings, dormitories—everything except chapels.

Now, however, enrollments have begun to shrink—or to remain static at best. Many prospective students and their parents have concluded that college is a snare and a delusion. The unemployment of recent graduates in education, engineering, and other disciplines persuades many high-school graduates to look for jobs, not places at college.