About the Author

Nate Sleeter is a research assistant professor at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media where he oversees educational projects. He is also a former K-12 teacher.

History of Higher Education: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers

What is it?

Higher education in the United States has been shaped by history and has played a role in shaping history. Around the time of the American Revolution, college was almost exclusively for white men and, even then, often only for wealthy white men. Over time, women, Black Americans, the middle class, working class and poor Americans gained access to higher education, but this was not a simple story of gradual and steady reform. Instead new types of schools with new missions were founded at various points in the past, some were successful and some were not. Some still exist today, and all have changed over time emphasizing different courses of study and catering to new groups of students. This guide explores different types of schools and how they’ve developed over time.

Key points:

This activity will take one 90-minute period or two 45-minute periods. It is appropriate for a high school U.S. history or government classroom, but can be modified for a variety of learners.
Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate primary sources.
Students will learn more about the variety of colleges and universities in the United States and how they’ve changed over time.
Guiding Question: What forms does higher education take in the United States?

Introduction

Charles Dorn has summarized the history of higher education in the U.S: “what we conveniently call ‘higher education’ today is in actuality a composite of institutional types that developed over the course of 200 years”. The different types of institutions include public institutions, both large and small, private colleges, some religiously affiliated, some not, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, women’s colleges, and community colleges - among others. While depictions in popular culture and even in news media outlets often focus on very elite universities, the vast majority of students do not attend these elite schools and are instead enrolled at the variety of institutions discussed above. The goal of this guide is for students to learn more about higher education today by looking at its history and specifically at the different types of institutions, why they were founded, and how that history shapes the present status of higher education.

Hook/Bellringer

At the beginning of class ask students to name colleges or universities that they have heard of and to add where did they hear about them. Write answers on the board or have students write the answers on the board. You can stop adding names after you have about 10 schools. Alternatively students could answer through a web platform like Padlet which could be projected on the screen.

Once there is a collection of schools on the board ask students: What do you know about these schools (ie are they public or private, 4 year or 2 year, larger or smaller etc.)

Introduce the activity by noting that there are a wide variety of institutions in higher education each with a different history. They were established for different reasons to meet different needs and they have changed over time to respond to changing student populations and to the world around them. Using primary sources — photographs of various schools — students will virtually “tour” different campuses to better understand these schools. Divide students into 6 groups based on institution type: Community Colleges and Junior Colleges, Large Public Universities, Regional Public Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Private Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities, and Women’s Colleges. When they’re in their groups provide the sources and the brief description of their type of school. Direct them to use the sources the virtually “tour” these schools. Ask them to take notes on what they notice:

What kind of facilities and buildings do you see?

What can you tell about the kinds of academic programs at these schools?
What kinds of activities are offered? (IE Sports? Recreation opportunities? Socializing opportunities? Museums?)

Do you think this is a state school or a private school? What makes you think so?

What other questions come to mind?

Digital Research Activity

Students will then choose a specific school to research historical sources. Using the historical newspaper database Chronicling America to find where the school is mentioned. They will create an informal “Then and Now” presentation based on similarities and differences they notice about the school in the past and in the present.

Tips for searching Chronicling America

Look up the school on Wikipedia to see if it had a different name in the past. Use an older name as a search term on Chronicling America.
Many colleges and universities advertised in newspapers so searching for the name of the school plus “courses” can be helpful for finding these.
Search results can be filtered by state — this can be a way to narrow down the search results when searching for a specific school.

Primary Sources

Women’s Colleges

Women’s colleges are typically private liberal arts colleges founded to provide women with a 4 year college education when opportunities for women in higher education were limited. Many women’s colleges were founded between 1870 and 1890. The number of women’s colleges in the United States grew until the mid-1960s when there were over 250 in the United States. Since that time the number of women’s colleges has decreased with the schools either closing, becoming co-ed, or merging with a men's college. As of 2024, there were 26 women’s colleges in the United States that fulfill a unique role educating and empowering women.

Mount Holyoke College

Inside the Emily Williston Library on the campus of Mount Holyoke College, a private women's liberal arts college in South Hadley, Massachusetts | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690140/

Inside of a library. Book shelves line the front and back walls, chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and there is a large window in the back of the room looking out onto a brick building. There is a small group of people in the library.

View of the campus at Mount Holyoke College, a private women's liberal arts college in South Hadley, Massachusetts | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690144/

Two women sit on a grassy field with a few trees lining the perimeter. A large brick building sits in the background.

View of the campus at Mount Holyoke College, a private women's liberal arts college in South Hadley, Massachusetts | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690145/

Outside in Mount Holyoke. A street light and paved path are in the front of the photograph. Next to those is a grassy field lined with trees, and a brick tower toward the back of the frame. In the distance, a few people are walking in the group

Smith College

Scene at the boathouse on the campus of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, one of the "Seven Sisters" schools, an alliance of East Coast liberal-arts colleges created to provide women with education equivalent to that provided in the men-only Ivy League | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690193/

Boathouse on the lefthand side, and two small wooden boats float in the water next to it. Trees line the body of water into the distance of the photo.

Scene at the botanic garden on the campus of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, one of the "Seven Sisters" schools, an alliance of East Coast liberal-arts colleges created to provide women with education equivalent to that provided in the men-only Ivy League | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690192/

Mixed terrain of grass, paved road, and gravel road. A small lawn contains a bench, a tree, and a few stones. In the distance is a greenhouse with a glass, domed ceiling.

Pond and conservatory on the campus of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, one of the "Seven Sisters" schools, an alliance of East Coast liberal-arts colleges created to provide women with education equivalent to that provided in the then men-only Ivy League | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690187/

In the foreground, there is a pond with moss growing over the top and a flamingo statue in the center. The pond is surrounded by grass and trees, as well as the conservatory building on the left side. A large brick building sits at the back of the photo on a hill.

Elmira College (founded as women’s college, now co-educational)

Gillett Memorial Hall, completed in 1891 on the campus of Elmira College in Elmira, New York | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2018700052/

A large brick building sits at the end of a paved path. The building contains two gable roofs on each side of the building, and windows line the front. The sky is blue, with a few light white clouds

Entrance arch on the campus of Elmira College in Elmira, New York | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2018700071/

Outside, two brick columns line either side of a brick path. The columns are connected by an arched sign reading Elmira College

HBCUs

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) include both private and public schools that were established before the 1964 Civil Rights Act with the mission of providing higher education to Black Americans. There are 101 HBCUs in the United States that carry out the mission of educating Americans regardless of race and preserve Black American culture and history.

Grambling State University

A massive, horizontal "G" sculpture on the campus of Grambling State University, a pre-eminent HBCU (historically black college or university) in rural Grambling, Louisiana | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020744158/

Outdoor setting with a brick building lining the back of the photograph. In the foreground, a large, horizontal sculpture of the letter G sits on a small patch of grass. The patch of grass is surrounded by a concrete path and a few benches.

The McCall Dining Center on the campus of Grambling State University, a pre-eminent HBCU (historically black college or university) in rural Grambling, Louisiana | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020744159/

Outside of a one-story building with windows making up most walls. A window-walled tower rises above the rest of the building. The building sits off a paved road.

The Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center on the campus of Grambling State University, a pre-eminent HBCU (historically black college or university) in rural Grambling, Louisiana | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020744160/

Outside of a large building that reads "Frederic C. Hobdy Assembly Center." The building contains two flags, the US flag and a smaller yellow flag.

The home team's cheering section overlooking the 50-yard line at Eddie Robinson Stadium, the home field of the Grambling Tigers football team at Grambling State University, one of America's pre-eminent "HBCU" (historically black colleges and universities) | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020744093/

One side of an outdoor stadium seating section. The rows of seats spell out GSU in red lettering

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Identifying sign and sculpture at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020741546/

Outside image of a sign and a sculpture. The sign has two posts and a rounded top and reads University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. The sculpture is a bronze color with three abstract shapes stacked on top of one another.

The Walker Center multipurpose research hall at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020741547/

Outside of a large red brick building, which sits on a field of grass and a paved sidewalk leads up to the front door. Trees border the building.

The Dawson-Hicks Hall dormitory at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020741567/

Large brick and cement building with three prominent gables. Windows are gridded on the front of the building. A small sign sits out front too far to read.

A clock that is the centerpiece of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020741724/

Lion sculpture on the campus of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, whose athletic teams are the Golden Lions | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020741566/

Outdoor sculpture of a lion on a rock. The sculpture is white, and it sits in the grass.

Regional Public

Regional public universities educate a large number of students in higher education. Many were founded as Normal Schools or Teachers Colleges and they continue to provide education to students in all areas of the country who may not have access to larger schools or private schools. According to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities these schools enroll a disproportionately higher number of students of color, of low-income backgrounds, first generation, Pell Grant recipients, community college transfers, working adults, and veterans compared with other public and private institutions.

Southern Oregon University

A springtime view of an academic building at Southern Oregon University in Ashland | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2018698087/

Bright green grass field lined with green and blossoming trees. A brick building sits on the far edge of the field.

A cyclist passes before the library building at Southern Oregon University in Ashland | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2018698081/

Front of a large brick and glass building. Steps lead up to the building, which has both a rectangular base and a cylindrical component that is completely glass. A man on a bicycle rides in front of the building.

Stone artwork array on the grounds of Southern Oregon University in Ashland | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2018698083/

Stone sculptures sit in a grassy field with a few small trees. A brick building sits off the field in the distance.

Metal-art sculpture on the grounds of Southern Oregon University in Ashland | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2018698082/

Outside garden area with grass and a few trees. In the center of the photo is a sculpture on a pedestal. The sculpture is orb-like, but transparent.

University of Texas-El Paso

Building on the campus of the University of Texas-El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014631177/

Outside of a tall, sand colored, four story building. Pedestrians walk by in the foreground.

Building on the campus of the University of Texas-El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014631178/

Outside of a building. Two benches face each other outside the building on a concrete path.

Building on the campus of the University of Texas-El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014631182/

Large four-story sand academic colored building with pedestrians walking by on a paved path.

The Chihuahuan Desert Garden and campus buildings of the University of Texas at El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014630702/

Desert garden sits in front of a large, light tan building with a flat roof. Cars are parked in a lot between the building and the desert garden.

Glass wall and stairway at the University of Texas at El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014632620/

Outside photograph of a multi-colored glass wall descending alongside a cement stairwell. The glass wall takes up the bottom half of a building wall. The rest of the building's wall is a light tan color.

Glass wall at the University of Texas at El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014632619/

Outside image of a glass wall. The glass panes are colored to form a pointed arch. Outside to inside of the arch, the colors are blue, green, brown, orange, transparent, and then repeat.

Gateway sign at the University of Texas at El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014632616/

Outside, stone sign with a circle in the center reading The University of Texas at El Paso. Those words encircle a star.

The University of Texas at El Paso | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2014632618/

West Chester University

This is a ram statue, though not a golden one, in front of the Old Library building on the campus of West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The school's sports teams are nicknamed the Golden Rams. The Department of Anthropology and Sociology, and the Institute for International Development are housed in the 1902-vintage building | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019689476/

Outdoor garden/courtyard. Yellow and purple flowers line the perimeter. A ram statue is in the center of the courtyard, looking away from photographer.

Outside photograph of a ram statue situated in front of a large yellow building. The building has a singular gabled roof with four marble columns lining the front.

The Old Library building on the campus of West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Department of Anthropology and Sociology, and the Institute for International Development are now housed in the 1902-vintage building | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019689478/

Outside front view of the library building. A concrete path cuts through a field leading up to the building. At the end of the path is a stairwell leading to the building. The building contains a gabled roof and four columns.

Large Public

Large public universities enroll tens of thousands of students. Many started as Land Grant Schools, a federal program that began in 1862 with the Morrill Act and the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Funds were raised by selling western lands, most of which had been taken from Native Americans, sometimes even without a formal treaty. (see Landgrabu.org for more). Land grant schools were established to promote applied science in agriculture and industry but now most large public universities offer a wide range of degrees in including liberal arts. Many of these institutions also have a strong research focus.

University of Michigan

University of Michigan Campus, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Aerial view | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020714690/

Outdoor aerial view of large stone buildings and green areas with trees.

University of Michigan Campus, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tower | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020714700/

Large cornered tower on ann arbor's campus.

Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Exterior | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020714689/

building with large cylindrical cement columns along the side to support it, the whole outside facing wall is reflective panes of glass. There are large trees with yellow leaves in the foreground

Angell Hall, an academic building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It is after James Burrill Angell, who was the university's president from 1871 to 1909. The Angell Hall Observatory is located on the fifth floor roof of the building, which opened in 1924. On March 24, 1965, Angell Hall was the site of the first "teach-in" protesting the Vietnam War. More than 3,000 people attended the all-night program of seminars, rallies and speeches | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020722994/

Large building with greek style columns and design at the top.

The 1936 Burton Memorial Tower on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Named for former university president Marion Leroy Burton, the carillon tower, designed by Albert Kahn, now (as of 2019) houses the Baird Carillon, classrooms, and faculty offices for members of the Department of Musicology | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020722990/

Tall stand alone tower with a number of small windows looking out and a clock at the top

The University of Michigan Art Museum, in the 1910 Alumni Memorial Hall on the campus in Ann Arbor. Its original purpose was threefold: to provide a space for the university's growing art collection, open space for the graduate school, and honor alumni who had served in the nation's wars to that date | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020722995/

A wide walkway extends towards the museum, lined with black metal park benches and green space with trees behind them. Stairs ascend to the building entrance which is surrounded with columns. Between the columns, advertising posters are hung.

Abstract impressionist artist Mark di Suero's 53-foot-high "Orian" sculpture enlivens the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Initially exhibited at Chicago's Millennium Park, it arrived on campus on long-term loan in 2008. Ten years later t was removed because of drainage repairs, which provided an opportunity to send the sculpture back to the artist's studio in New York for conservation work and a fresh coat of vibrant reddish-orange paint | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020722993/

Large abstract sculpture is on a green lawn next to a sidewalk.

University of Wyoming

The sports arena and auditorium at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632803/

Weathered statue stands before a dome shaped building. The statue depicts a cowboy riding a bucking horse.

S.H. Knight's Tyrannosaurus sculpture stands near the entrance to the Geological Museum at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632813/

A tall dark, potentially metallic statue of a Tyrannosaurus Rex outside of a tan building.

Cooper House, home to the American Studies program at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632809/

White house with two stories a red clay tile roof.

D. Michael Thomas's "Breakin' Through" statue at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. The statue evokes the university's "Cowboys" sports nickname ("Cowgirls" in the case of women's teams), and the state nickname as The Cowboy State | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632797/

Statue of a person riding a horse through a white brick wall with the words "Breakin Through" on the top most part of the wall that is still intact.

The Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, a convocation center that the university calls its "front door" | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632795/

Large building with large windows and a cowboy statue of a person riding a bucking horse.

Engineering Hall, home to the engineering department at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632814/

Tall brown stone or brick building with tall paned windows.

The Arts and Sciences building at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632812/

Tall brown building with four floors and windows. The center of the building is the tallest and the height of it decreases to each side.

The College of Agriculture building at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632811/

Large tan building visible beyond a grass field with evergreen trees and one overhead light pole.

The College of Business building at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015632810/

Shorter building on left connected to taller building on right by a glass hallway with entrance doors. Two tall trees and other green shrubbery grow in front.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Louise Pound Hall on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state, houses (as of 2021) the Department office of Child, Youth and Family Studies and the office of the College of Education and Human Sciences | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758197/

Wide building with a dozen tall concrete columns at the front.

Once the college engineering building, Richards Hall on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state, now (as of 2021) houses the School of Art and the Eisentrager-Howard Art Gallery | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758196/

Orange or red brick building with a red roof. Picnic table with a red umbrella stands to the left and two large evergreen trees stand in front of the building.

Since 2003, the Van Brunt Visitors Center has served as the unofficial "front door" to the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758202/

Red brick building with sloped roof in the background, abstract art installation on the lawn that uses large book pages.

Japanese artist Jun Kaneko's 2009 "Untitled" ceramic and galvanized-steel sculpture outside the Sheldon Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758200/

Large abstract sculpture on a lawn of a head with no hair, but a bright blue face.

Artist Ed Carpenter's "Harvest" sculpture greets those approaching the Pinnacle Bank Arena, the home of the University of Nebraska men's and women's basketball teams in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state of Nebraska | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758193/

Sculpture in front of a building with tall pieces of metal placed in a circle that bend outwards at the top.

These four columns have become a landmark on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758203/

Four columns stand alone.

The Sheldon Museum of Art, on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, the capital city of the midwest-U.S. state | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2021758198/

Steps with hand rails ascend to the entrance of the Sheldon Art Museum. There are three archways that stand in front of the large windows. On the steps there is a dark metal sculpture of a head on its side.

Private, Liberal Arts

Liberal arts colleges offer 4 year degrees and also emphasize a broad education and general knowledge including science, history, literature, math, and languages. Private schools tend to be smaller and many, although not all, were originally founded as religious institutions.

Amherst College

The campus quadrangle, colloquially called the "quad," at Amherst College, a private liberal-arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts | Library of Congress

https://www.loc.gov/item/2019690237/

Wide green field with tall trees. A sidewalk goes through the park with black street lamps.

The Keefe Campus Center, the student activities building at Amherst College, a private liberal-arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690233/

A large two story building on the corner of two paved roads. Lots of open green space in the foreground.

The Keefe Campus Center, the student activities building at Amherst College, a private liberal-arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2019690234/

Side view of Keefe Campus Center

Davis & Elkins College

Campus view of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. The Albert Hall science building is in the foreground | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631689/

Two brick buildings on a hill just beyond an open grassy field.

Campus view of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. The Albert Hall science building is in the foreground | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631691/

Side view of David & Elkins College showing the stairs that lead up to the building.

Graceland mansion on the campus of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631695/

The bottom half of the house is stone and the top half is painted blue with a red roof and a few short turrets.

Halliehurst mansion on the campus of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631694/

Three story dark brick home with three chimneys and a turret.

Booth Library on the campus of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631692/

View of Library built on a hill but extends off of the hill.

St. Olaf College

A woodsy fall view of a portion of the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723532/

View of a green space on campus next to a sidewalk. A number of trees are in this space and their leaves are orange.

A woodsy fall view of a portion of the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723535/

View of a woodsy section of campus, tree leaves have turned yellow and orange and fallen leaves cover the ground.

A woodsy fall view of a portion of the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723538/

A yellow wooden chair sits on a wide tree stump surrounded by fallen leaves in a preserved nature section of the campus.

A portion of Boe Memorial Chapel on the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723536/

Side view of the church through a wooded area with tall trees and orang autumn leaves covering the ground.

A portion of Boe Memorial Chapel on the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723539/

Five sidewalks meet at one point and between them are small green spaces with trees and fallen autumn leaves.

Mellby Hall, the oldest residence hall on the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723530/

Beige four story stone building with a black roof.

Mellby Hall, the oldest residence hall on the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723531/

Another view of Mellby Hall

Boe Memorial Chapel on the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress

https://www.loc.gov/item/2020723537/

Front view of the chapel showing the cross at the top, stained glass windows ascending up, and three sets of orange double doors.

The Theater Building on the campus of St. Olaf College, a private, liberal-arts college in Northfield, Minnesota | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2020723533/

Walkway leading the the theater building which has stairs going up to the door and classic brick architecture.

Community Colleges and Junior Colleges

According to the U.S. Department of Education, almost half of all students in higher education are enrolled in Community Colleges or Junior Colleges. Over half of adults with a 4 year degree began their education at a community college. Community colleges and junior colleges also enroll a high number of first generation students and lower income students. While the first institution of this type was established in 1901 with the founding of Joliet Junior College (JJC) in Joliet, Illinois, the largest growth of community colleges occurred after 1945 as college attendance rose overall the federal and state government encouraged the development of schools that could bridge the gap between high school and college, provide training in trades, and serve as cultural centers for communities.

Western Wyoming Community College

Buildings at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2017688034/

Far away view of Western Wyoming Community College's campus showing some of the taller brick buildings there.

Buildings at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2017688035/

Brown brick buildings with red metal roofs and sky lights.

Buildings at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2017688036/

Large cube shaped building with red-orange and tan stripes made to look like layers.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Davis Hall, a dormitory and conference center at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631540/

Dark brick three story building with rows of windows and a chimney just beyond a green lawn and some tall trees.

Science Hall at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631537/

Brick building with rows of windows with a sign in front that reads "Potomac State College West Virginia University Science Hall". The doorway is framed by a decorative cement design and two large white ball sconces. Between the building and the sidewalk there are shrugs and a flower bed.

Catamount statue at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631534/

Bronze statue of a cougar on a pedestal with a plaque reading "Welcome to catamount country."

Academy Hall at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631538/

Large three story square brick building.

Reynolds Hall, a dormitory at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631539/

Three story brick building with four columns at the entrance and two chimneys on the roof.

The 1919-vintage Administration Building at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631542/

Large three story rectangular brick building with tall windows, stairs leading to the entrance, and two large columns by the door.

Mary F. Shipper Library at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631535/

Brick and cement building just beyond a green lawn and a small roadway.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631536/

Zoomed out view of Science Hall where all three floors are visible.

Overview of Potomac State College of West Virginia University, a two-year junior college affiliated as a division of West Virginia University located in Keyser, West Virginia | Library of Congress | www.loc.gov/item/2015631541/

Photo of Potomac State College campus as it sits in a valley. Just behind the campus is a forested mountain. This photo is taken from a hill on the other side of the valley.