The 9 Best Documentaries About College

Aug 4, 2023 | Best Of, History

College is a time of exploration, discovery and finding one’s place in the world. It can be an exciting journey filled with new experiences, but it can also be overwhelming and intimidating. Fortunately, there are plenty of documentaries that capture all the different aspects of college life – from its highs to its lows – so you don’t have to go through it alone! In this article we’ll look at some of the best documentaries about college and what they showcase about higher education. So if you’re considering attending or already enrolled in college, read on for some inspiring stories that will help you understand both the joys and challenges that come with being a student.

1. More And More Colleges Are Closing Down Across America

The pandemic of 2020 has had a tremendous impact on the U.S. college system with 91 private colleges having closed, merged, or announced plans to close since 2016. This is not only affecting the students in those schools but thousands more across the country in terms of enrollment and job opportunities after graduation.

 

2. How Harvard and Other Colleges Manage Their Endowments

Do you ever wonder why college tuition is still rising, even though some universities have billions of dollars in endowments? Endowment funds are a source of income for many institutions of higher education, and they come with significant implications. This video will explore how much money is invested in these funds, the debate surrounding lawmakers questioning their use.

 

3. The Profitable Business of Enslaving Students

As a politician, you have the power to make or break your career by the number of votes you get. During the 60’s, people put their trust in politicians that promised to solve their biggest issues. College costs are no exception; The College Racket: History’s Greatest Money Making Scam examines how college tuition has been driven up with loan money available for students.

 

4. College Is So Expensive In America

College is expensive. With the cost of tuition at both public and private universities having more than doubled since the late 80s, it can be daunting to consider pursuing higher education. But with a college degree becoming increasingly necessary to succeed in today’s economy, it may be worth investing the time and money into obtaining one. Jarret Freeman, a college graduate who now has roughly $50,000 in student debt, is a testament to this. He believes that the idea of college being ‘the next step after graduation’ has been so ingrained in our minds that many don’t consider the alternatives. However, with all of the recent financial strains and obstacles that come along with college.

 

5. Corinthian Colleges Contributed to the Student Loan Debt Crisis

Are you looking for an affordable college education but don’t know where to start? In this video, we explore the world of alternative options that can help you get a quality education without breaking the bank. We’ll also discuss how for-profit colleges have been aggressively recruiting low-income students with promises of success, only to leave them in debt and unprepared to face the job market. “A Subprime Education” is a documentary that looks at this phenomenon, and how we can take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Find out what these options are and how you can get the education you always wanted without going deep into debt. So don’t settle for less – let us show you the way to gain an educated.

 

6. FRONTLINE

Are you looking for a way to get ahead in your career, but don’t know where to start? If so, this documentary is the perfect starting point. “College, Inc.,” correspondent Martin Smith investigates the vast potential of the for-profit higher education industry and its impact on an underserved student population. In interviews with school executives, government officials, admissions counselors, former students and industry experts, viewers gain insight into the advantages of obtaining a degree from a reputable institution. The documentary explores all angles of the tension between these parties while offering helpful tips about how to find a quality education and attain marketable job skills. In addition, it takes an in-depth look at the issue of debt that often accumulates after graduation.

 

7. The College Admissions Scandal

Experience the gripping truth behind one of 2019’s most shocking scandals. Uncover the methods, secrets, and strategies used by Rick Singer in Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal. Go beyond the celebrity headlines and explore how Singer worked his way into wealthy families and cashed in on millions with his college admissions scheme. Hear firsthand accounts from those closest to the case, and gain an insight into the world of college admissions with one of the most shocking stories of our time. Unveil the truth about how desperation drove Singer’s ambitious plan and see what it took to become a part of his scheme.

 

8. College Killer – Nightmare Next Door

Katie Sepich was a 22-year-old whose life was tragically taken from her. Her disappearance one night left detectives searching for answers, and eventually led them to the horrific incident of rape and murder in a landfill the following morning. This tragedy forced the police to confront the idea that this could be more than an isolated case – it could be a serial killer. The investigation ultimately brought detectives full circle, leading them back to victims own inner circle for even more clues. This compelling story is one of the many powerful documentaries about Chile that helps share important stories and bring attention to unsolved mysteries. From the haunting legacy of Pinochet’s dictatorship to incredible accounts of survival in extreme environments, Chilean documentaries have something for everyone.

 

9. Black students challenged segregation

In this video, we take a look at the courageous act of the Little Rock Nine and their efforts to dismantle racism in America. We hear first-hand from Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the nine students who made history by standing up for desegregation. We also explore the sites where they attempted to make change and examine how their actions sparked a movement that continues to this day. We take a closer look at the impact these brave individuals had on civil rights history, and explore the aftermath of their courageous efforts – both for themselves as individuals and for the wider movement. In this video we get an exclusive insight into one of the most important moments in modern history, and hear a unique perspective straight from one of its key players.

 

 

 

 

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B