The Misguided Push for Universal College Education

by Michael J Badagliacco, "MJB"

Editor-In-Chief, coDOGEreport

For decades, the narrative that everyone must pursue a college degree has been sold as the path to an educated, prosperous society. However, a closer examination reveals that this push was less about fostering critical thinking and more about steering young minds toward ideologies that challenge the foundational principles of the United States. The emphasis on universal college education has often served as a vehicle for indoctrination, promoting views that undermine the values of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government that define our Republic.

The idea that a college degree is essential for success gained traction in the mid-20th century, fueled by government policies and cultural shifts. Programs like the GI Bill made higher education accessible to millions, a noble intent to reward veterans and boost the economy. Yet, over time, this morphed into a societal expectation that college was the only path to a fulfilling career. By 2020, over 65% of high school graduates enrolled in college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This surge was not driven by a universal need for advanced academic training but by a cultural dogma that equated degrees with social status and employability.

However, the modern university system has increasingly prioritized ideological conformity over intellectual diversity. Many institutions have become echo chambers where certain viewpoints, often critical of American values, dominate curricula and campus culture. A 2018 study by the National Association of Scholars found that 78% of college courses in history and social sciences at top universities emphasized themes of social justice, identity politics, and systemic oppression, often presenting these as uncontested truths. These narratives frequently cast the United States as inherently flawed, focusing on its historical shortcomings while downplaying its achievements in advancing individual freedom and prosperity.

This focus is not accidental. The rise of critical theories in academia, such as critical race theory and postcolonialism, has shifted the purpose of education from fostering independent thought to promoting specific ideological frameworks. These frameworks often portray American principles like individualism and meritocracy as tools of oppression. For example, a 2021 report by the Manhattan Institute noted that 35% of college faculty openly supported integrating "anti-racist" pedagogies into their teaching, which often frame the U.S. Constitution and free-market systems as inherently discriminatory. Students are taught to view the nation’s founding documents and economic systems with skepticism, if not outright hostility.

This ideological shift has real-world consequences. Graduates emerge from universities not only with degrees but also with a worldview that questions the legitimacy of the Republic’s core tenets. A 2020 Gallup poll revealed that only 55% of Americans aged 18-34 had a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the U.S. government, compared to 73% of those over 55. This generational divide reflects the influence of academic environments that emphasize grievance over gratitude. Young people are taught to see the nation as a source of systemic injustice rather than a beacon of opportunity, eroding the civic cohesion necessary for a functioning republic.

Moreover, the push for universal college education ignores the reality that not every career requires a degree. Trades like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry offer stable, well-paying jobs that do not demand four years of academic indoctrination. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in construction and skilled trades will grow by 10% through 2030, outpacing many white-collar fields. Yet, the stigma against non-college paths persists, driven by a narrative that undervalues practical skills and overemphasizes academic credentials.

The financial toll of this system is staggering. Student loan debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.7 trillion, burdening millions with obligations that delay homeownership, marriage, and retirement savings. A 2022 study by the Federal Reserve found that 20% of borrowers were behind on payments, disproportionately affecting those with degrees in fields with low economic return. This debt trap is a direct result of pushing students into college without regard for their aptitudes or the market’s needs, all while exposing them to curricula that may alienate them from their country’s values.

The solution is not to abandon higher education but to reform it. Universities must recommit to teaching critical thinking over ideological conformity. This means fostering open debate, exposing students to diverse perspectives, and emphasizing primary sources like the Federalist Papers or the Declaration of Independence in their historical context. Additionally, society should elevate alternative pathways, such as apprenticeships and vocational training, as equally valid routes to success. Policy changes, like redirecting federal subsidies from degree programs to trade schools, could help balance these options.

The push for universal college education was never just about learning; it was about shaping minds. While the intent may have been to create an informed citizenry, the result has often been a generation skeptical of the very principles that built the nation. By rethinking the role of higher education and valuing diverse paths to success, we can foster a society that respects both individual potential and the foundational ideals of our Republic.