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For more than two centuries, America’s colleges and universities have been the backbone of the country’s progress. They have educated the technical, managerial and professional work force and provided generation after generation of national leaders. Today, educators from around the country are up to find many reasons for the excellence of American universities. But four historic Acts stand out as watersheds.

First , education for the mass. In 1862, Congress enacted the Land Grant College Act, which essentially extended the opportunity of higher education to all Americans, including women and minorities. Each state was permitted to sell large tracts of federal land, and use the proceeds to endow at least one public college.

Second, competition breeds success. Over the years, the decentralization and diversity of the America’s colleges and universities have promoted competition for students and resources. Competitive pressure first arose during the Civil War when president Lincon created the National Academy of Science to advise Congress on any subject of science and art. The Academy’s impact really grew after world war II when a landmark report commissioned by the then president argued that it was the federal government’s responsibility to provide adequate funds for basic research. Instead of being centralized in government laboratories, scientific research became decentralized in American universities and generated increasing investment. It also gave graduate students research opportunities and helped spread scientific discoveries far and wide, to the benefit of industry, medicine and society as a whole.

Thirdly, investing in the future. The end of World War II saw the passage of the servicemen’s Reajustment Act of 1944. The law, which provided for a college or vocational education for returning veterans, made the higher education systmen accessible in ways that were inconceivable in Europe, opening the doors of best universities to men and women who had never dreamed of going to college.

Finally , promoting diversity. The creation of federal loan and subsidy programs as well as outright grants for college students brought much needed diversity to high eduction and further helped to democratize access. Since its founding in 1965, the Federal Family Education Loan Program has funded more than 74 million student loans worth more than 180 billion dollars.

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