“The erosion of the middle class,” he said, “has put a lot more pressure on parents and students to make it big in the world or the consequences are dire.” When Roth graduated from college, his father, who didn’t go to college, wasn’t concerned if his son ended up driving a cab for a while to figure things out. Now coffee shop baristas with a philosophy degree are subjects of mockery. “The confidence that the economy offers enough opportunities has eroded,” Roth said.
Jeff Selingo: What’s the purpose of college: A job or an education? – The Washington Post Roth is the president of Wesleyan University.