The original purpose of colleges in colonial America was to educate people for what profession?

Answer 1

The original purpose of colleges in colonial America was primarily to educate individuals for the ministry. Many of the early institutions of higher learning, such as Harvard College (founded in 1636), were established to prepare young men for roles in the clergy. This focus on religious education was reflective of the Puritan ethos and the importance of the church in colonial society. Over time, the curriculum expanded to include other subjects, but the primary aim in the early years was to train ministers.