The Fading Page: Why Humanities Programs Are Disappearing from American Universities American universities underwent significant transformations in the aftermath of World War II, driven by the GI Bill and federal government investment in higher education.
This period saw a surge in enrollment and the proliferation of new programs, including those in the humanities. Once considered essential to producing informed citizens and leaders, these programs are now fading away.
Between 2015 and 2020, undergraduate majors in English, history, and philosophy declined by roughly 25%, while graduate program enrollments dropped by over 10% since 2008.