In a society of labels, brands, ranks and pedigrees, does having a particular institution’s name on your diploma bring more than just pride? While most agree that a quality education can be obtained at small, lesser-known universities, a well-connected institution can offer a gateway to a world of opportunities, among them, increased access, exposure and income.
Paying for the most basic education is no small feat in today’s challenging fiscal environment. So the question then becomes does investing in an Ivy League education provide entry into the highest ranks of leadership in government and corporate America. It may seem that way when you consider the alma maters of those within the highest ranks of government — the Obama administration Cabinet. Most Cabinet members, such as Shaun L.S. Donovan, John Kerry and Ernest Moniz, have degrees from Harvard, Yale and Stanford, respectively.
Giovanna Robledo, who graduated last month from Olympian High School in Chula Vista, Calif., says she is counting on Harvard to open doors for her once she enters in the fall. The Ivy League institution was her first choice to prepare for a career as an immigration lawyer. She plans to study psychology before applying to Harvard’s or Yale’s law school.
“I’ve heard about Harvard since I was a little girl,” says Robledo, who has a brother in his junior year at Harvard. “When you go out in the world having studied at names like Harvard and Yale, eyebrows are raised and it opens more doors for people who study there. They really do have a lot of resources.
“I feel really blessed to be going to a college that is investing so much time in students and has built up a reputation,” continues Robledo, whose family came to the U.S. from Mexico.
Dr. Leonard Dawson, former president of Voorhees College in Denmark, N.C., points out that a quality education can be gained at many institutions throughout the country, but he does recognize the attraction to a strong network at universities like Harvard.
“It’s no question, in terms of preparation, that it does matter what school you go to, but you can get an equally good education at some schools that are not as well known,” says Dawson. “You can get just as good of an education at HBCUs. However, the question the student has to ask is what are their career goals? What kind of environment maximizes their potential?”
