ABSTRACT
The chapter presents the evidence about the effects of higher education on attitudes toward public policy issues, on interest and participation in community and governmental affairs, and on knowledge of public affairs. An enduring feature of the American dream is that education is an essential foundation for citizenship in a democracy. To prepare people for competence in the practical affairs of life is a major goal of higher education. In addition, students may develop certain other personal qualities or traits that are equally helpful in their lives. The chapter considers four of these: need for achievement; future orientation; adaptability; and leadership. College education appears to favor community participation and the cultivation of a disposition toward community activities. It is often asserted that higher education reduces the propensity toward criminal activity. Higher education has favorable effects upon the economic productivity of its students is widely acknowledged—though opinions differ on the degree and specific causes of these effects.
