What happened
A recent survey at Cornell University reported that 35% of undergraduate women experienced sexual assault since arriving at the university, sparking concerns about the safety of college campuses. Despite such concerns, parents continue to push for their children's admission to prestigious universities like Cornell, citing the value of credentials, networks, and prestige.
The cost of attending Cornell is substantial, with four years of tuition approaching $296,000 before housing, dining, books, and other expenses. However, many parents believe that the benefits of attending a prestigious university outweigh the costs and risks.
The phenomenon of credential inflation has contributed to the growing importance of a college degree in the job market. Employers increasingly require bachelor's degrees for jobs that previously did not need them, making the diploma a proxy for intelligence, discipline, conformity, and class position.
College has become a rite of passage for the professional class, with parents seeking the status and social network that comes with attending a prestigious university. The name on the diploma and the campus experience matter because they confer membership in a hierarchy that exists long after commencement.
The pressure to attend college is especially strong for women, who now dominate higher education and earn about 59% of bachelor's degrees. Parents who despise universities may still want their children admitted to them due to the value of the social network and the credentials they confer.
