Research disputes claim that college does little to build social purpose

In short: A broad set of research does not support the idea that college “does almost nothing” to help people feel their daily lives matter to others.

What's going on

A New York Times opinion piece argues that college education does little to develop a sense that everyday actions “resonate with people beyond ourselves.” But many studies point the other way. They find that college can help people feel connected, responsible, and involved in their communities, even if the results vary a lot by school and by student.

One key idea researchers track is a “sense of belonging,” which means feeling accepted and supported at school. Reports from groups like the Institute for Higher Education Policy and summaries from MIT say that when students feel they belong, they tend to stay enrolled, do better in class, and report better well-being. The basic logic is simple, if you feel like you matter in a community, you are more likely to invest in it, like showing up to a team practice when you feel the team wants you there.

Other research looks beyond campus. Studies on “social trust” (how much you believe most people can be trusted) and surveys of community life find that college graduates are often more civically involved, more likely to volunteer, and more connected socially than people without a degree.

What to watch

The same research also warns that these benefits are not automatic. Students from marginalized backgrounds often report lower belonging, especially when colleges feel impersonal or unfair. Watch for whether schools expand programs that connect coursework to real community needs, such as service learning (classes that include organized community work).

Source: NYTimes