The history of higher education in the United States is traced. While major developments affecting higher education as a whole are emphasized, detailed descriptions are included on the nature of selected institutions, their operating arrangements, and their influences. In addition to historical facts, details, and data, a synthesis of educational and organizational trends, philosophies, and teaching methods and models is provided. The nine chapters cover the first colonial colleges, colleges in young America, movement toward a true university, the emergence of graduate schools and the elective system, psychologies and philosophies, the impact of the American Association of University Professors on academic freedom, the emergence of modern universities, and governance patterns. Developments that are addressed include: emphasizing classical versus practical studies, the growth of modern science following Darwin's work, private education, military service institutions, the growth of great state universities after the passage of the Morrill Act, and adoption of the system of majors and minors. Three trends in American higher education are identified: from religious to secular education, from an elite to a popular student body, and from general to specialized curricula. (SW)