Liberal arts has long been the bread and butter of New England education.
In a region home to some 250 higher education institutions, small liberal arts colleges stand in a league of their own, offering students broad intellectual training on picturesque campuses. The colleges were largely created after the American Revolution, when high literacy rates and an already-sound history of academic achievement in the region gave rise to more and more schools focusing on ministry, leadership, or the education of women. Over decades, they have infused their curricula with studies of technology and business. But students and faculty can still be found puttering around centuries-old classrooms debating political philosophy and reading Shakespeare.
Today, the preeminent “Little Ivies” continue to be a key reason New England ranks among the densest student populations and highest levels of educational attainment nationwide.
But that is now at risk.
opening paragraphs,
Diti Kohli, ‘We are in class five rapids right now.’ New England’s liberal arts colleges are in crisis. Can their model survive?
Ten college presidents spoke to the Globe in defense of their institutions.
The Boston Globe Magazine (January 6, 2026) : link (paywall)
thanks jk
6 January 2026