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College Quote by Noam Chomsky

“In other countries, rich and poor, education remains substantially free, with educational standards that rank high in global comparisons. Even in the US, higher education was almost free during the economically successful years before the neoliberal reaction - and it was a much poorer country…” quote by Noam Chomsky
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“In other countries, rich and poor, education remains substantially free, with educational standards that rank high in global comparisons. Even in the US, higher education was almost free during the economically successful years before the neoliberal reaction - and it was a much poorer country then. The GI bill provided free education to huge numbers of people - white men overwhelmingly - who would probably never have gone to college, a great benefit to them personally and to the whole society. Tuition at private colleges was far below today's exorbitant costs.”

Noam Chomsky

About This Quote

Source Speech: Lecture on Education Policy, 1970s, United States

Education historically offered broad access and high standards, but neoliberal shifts increased costs and reduced equity.

In simple terms: Education used to be affordable and high quality.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for affordable, high‑quality education.

Themes

education equity policy history

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political educational

When to use this quote

  • higher education reform
  • policy analysis
  • social justice

Key Concepts

neoliberalism public good

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies could restore affordable education?
  • How does education affect social mobility?
A Different Perspective

Current systems still face funding and access challenges.

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