Why Go to College? An Address

The address argues that expanding higher education for young women brings intellectual, social, and practical benefits: colleges provide disciplined knowledge and deep study in particular fields while cultivating health, happiness, friendships, and habits of self-control. It urges specialized training that enables women to render expert, remunerated service rather than amateur pursuits, and it cautions that college best serves those prepared and eager for serious study rather than the indifferent or infirm. The speaker highlights colleges as centers of cultural resources and youthful stimulus where work becomes a form of play and where character, interests, and public-mindedness are strengthened alongside academic learning.