Describe the changes in college enrollment from 1949 to 50 years later. What was education like in 1949? What changed in the next 50 years, and how did these changes occur? What did World War II have to do with the changes?

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

1. In 1949, there were 2.4 million college students in the United States. Fifty years later, there were 16 million. The population of the country had doubled during that period, but the proportion of the population going to college increased by 800 percent.
2. In 1949, college degrees were simply unnecessary. A high school diploma qualified you for almost every job, and if you needed additional training, you could apply directly to a law or medical school. The wealthy went to college to “become educated,” learn the social skills, and build the social networks necessary for an upper-class life.
2. After World War II, GI loans brought many of the returning soldiers to college for the first time. Most were the first in their families to attend college, and most wanted courses directly related to the jobs they would get afterward, which led to colleges offering more job-oriented majors and courses.
3. Employers, finding that there were skyrocketing numbers of well-qualified applicants, raised their standards, and more and more jobs began requiring college degrees. Specialized degrees also became popular, to help applicants stand out from others with similar educational standing.