Half of those entering college full-time do not have a degree within five years. Half of all students entering Ph.D. programs never obtain the degree. That purpose, restated, was the essential message of a commission convened by President Harry S Truman 45 years ago. The 1992 transcript analysis cited above suggests that educators need to ask themselves how well their current graduates measure up to the standards of Newman and the Truman Commission, and to the needs of American society for thoughtful citizens, workers, and potential leaders. For without a broad liberal education, students are denied the opportunity to engage with the principal ideas and events that are the source of any civilization.
Educators know better, but stand silent.
There is further disturbing evidence that graduates are unprepared for the requirements of daily life. Tasks such as these should not be insuperable for people with 16 years of education. Opinion polls leave no doubt that Americans have a profound respect for higher education. They consider it essential to the nation's civility and economic progress, and to advances in science, technology, and medicine. Americans are convinced that an undergraduate degree is as important to success in today's world as a high school diploma was in yesterday's.