Cap, Gown, and Political Compass: Does a College Degree Historically Lean Conservative?

May 10
2 min read

By: Cassandra Williamson

10 May 2025, Saturday

Ever wondered if the hallowed halls of American universities have historically steered their graduates towards a more conservative worldview? It’s a compelling question, suggesting that a college education, through its long and varied history in the United States, might have an inherent leaning. Our in-depth research report, "Investigating an American Null Hypothesis: College Education and a Tendency Toward Conservatism," tackles this very notion, and the findings might surprise you.

The journey begins by recognizing that neither "college education" nor "conservatism" has stood still. From colonial colleges founded to instill religious doctrine and preserve tradition—a mission closely aligned with the conservatism of their day—to the sprawling, diverse university systems of the 21st century, the landscape has dramatically transformed. Similarly, American conservatism has evolved from the Federalist ideals of the Early Republic to the multifaceted ideologies we see today.

Our investigation delves into these shifting sands, exploring:

The early days of American higher education: Were the first colleges, with their focus on clerical training and moral philosophy, bastions of conservative thought?
The transformative 20th century: How did events like the GI Bill, the rise of student activism in the 1960s, and changing faculty demographics impact the political leanings of the college-educated?
The emergence of the "Diploma Divide": Why, in recent decades, has a college degree become one of the starkest dividing lines in American politics, with graduates increasingly aligning with more liberal viewpoints?

The report meticulously examines voting patterns, the evolution of curricula, the changing purposes of higher education, and the complex interplay of factors like institutional type (from liberal arts colleges to research universities), academic disciplines (humanities versus STEM), and the diverse backgrounds of students themselves.

So, does a college education in the U.S. historically tend toward conservatism? The full report reveals that the answer isn't a simple yes or no. While early American higher education often served to conserve existing social and religious orders, the 20th and particularly the 21st centuries have witnessed a profound shift. The once-assumed link between higher education and conservative leanings is now significantly challenged by contemporary data.

To understand the full arc of this fascinating evolution, the nuances of different historical periods, and the factors that continue to shape the political identity of America's college-educated populace, we invite you to explore the comprehensive findings within the full research report. It’s a deep dive into a critical aspect of American socio-political history that continues to resonate today.

Click HERE

Access to the full report requires a paid subscription. That's so I can keep the coffee flowing.

Midday Muster, weekday afternoons around noon

On weekdays, usually at 1 PM Eastern.

[The timing is flexible since, as the caregiver for my 86-year-old mom, 64-year-old brother, and 55-year-old sister, my schedule is influenced by their appointments.]