The Cost of Chaos in the Curriculum. Perspectives on Higher Education

ACTA's report "The Cost of Chaos in the Curriculum" reveals that the vast array of course choices given to college students is a cause of exploding costs and poor academic outcomes. And a bloated undergraduate curriculum is particularly detrimental to the success of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The report documents how at most colleges and universities an expansive list of general education choices have replaced the thoughtful and efficient core curriculum that was previously part of every student's college education, and that by restoring a thorough and efficient core curriculum, colleges could save nearly 10% of educational costs per semester. The report also shows that graduation rates are higher with such a curriculum, and appropriate foundational courses provide what students need for success in career, community and citizenship.