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The College Scam: How America's Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America's Youth
Why do we send our kids to college? Why do we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a useless degree? Why do we let our children get indoctrinated by those who fundamentally disagree with America's greatness? In his newest book, The College Scam, Charlie Kirk answers all of these questions and more. Since founding Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk has been the leading voice across American college campuses standing up for conservative students. We all know that colleges are filled with far-left professors, but the truth is much worse. Anti-American ideals are thriving, progressives repress speech, and brainwashing is the norm. In The College Scam, Charlie Kirk puts the college industry on trial with a ten-count indictment of why academia has lost all credibility. A must-read for every student, parent, and concerned American citizen!
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
125 people are currently reading
4973 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Kirk
14 books888 followersCharlie Kirk was the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 28, 2022
Charlie Kirk isn't afraid to call out higher education for luring students into endless amounts of debt for classes that don't prepare them to do anything but become enraged activists. Nearly every university has added useless mandatory cornerstone and capstone classes to drive costs up and forced students to sit through mind numbing political campaigns pretending to be courses.
October 26, 2025
Professor Erin Thompson at City University of New York (CUNY) is a proud professor of art crime. She states, "I am America's only full-time professor of art crime." Now, one would think she would be opposed to art crime, but she is a proponent of it! During the radical uprisings in 2020, she tweeted: "I'm a professor who studies the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage and I just have to say . . .use chain instead of rope and it'll go faster." This is just one professor out of many who is paid to teach our children to practice criminal behavior.
Another professor at Stanford University, David Palumbo-Liu, is an active member of Antifa who encourages his students to be violent and militant activists. It really is mind-blowing that this is what our universities have become. The Marxists have been infiltrating our colleges and universities for a hundred years now, and it's no surprise that they have finally gained a majority over these institutions. Charlie Kirk was a Godsend in his messaging to the students who were and continue to be brainwashed or indoctrinated. The college campus has been one of the most corrosive forces in American society today. This book lists the various reasons the system is corrupt, but he also offers alternatives to higher education, which include trade schools, technical training with apprenticeships and other avenues. Of course, some professions require a degree, so Turning Point has a website at professorwatchlist.org which allows people to research schools and professors to see which ones to avoid for one's own sanity.
One final example of the absurd: Chicago's Northeastern Illinois University has a building with a plaque that reads, "This building is dedicated to public service honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln--Democrat." In what universe was Lincoln a Democrat? He was the first Republican president, and he was anti-slavery while the Democrat party at the time was pro-slavery. The plaque was actually installed in 1905. Charlie called on the university to change the plaque, but the university refused to do so, preferring instead to continue to miseducate and mislead its students. God bless Charlie.
Another professor at Stanford University, David Palumbo-Liu, is an active member of Antifa who encourages his students to be violent and militant activists. It really is mind-blowing that this is what our universities have become. The Marxists have been infiltrating our colleges and universities for a hundred years now, and it's no surprise that they have finally gained a majority over these institutions. Charlie Kirk was a Godsend in his messaging to the students who were and continue to be brainwashed or indoctrinated. The college campus has been one of the most corrosive forces in American society today. This book lists the various reasons the system is corrupt, but he also offers alternatives to higher education, which include trade schools, technical training with apprenticeships and other avenues. Of course, some professions require a degree, so Turning Point has a website at professorwatchlist.org which allows people to research schools and professors to see which ones to avoid for one's own sanity.
One final example of the absurd: Chicago's Northeastern Illinois University has a building with a plaque that reads, "This building is dedicated to public service honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln--Democrat." In what universe was Lincoln a Democrat? He was the first Republican president, and he was anti-slavery while the Democrat party at the time was pro-slavery. The plaque was actually installed in 1905. Charlie called on the university to change the plaque, but the university refused to do so, preferring instead to continue to miseducate and mislead its students. God bless Charlie.
February 8, 2026
this book was so good🥺🤍 but I miss him so much
for anyone in high school or parents of high schoolers, PLEASE read this book. you don't have to go to college to make something of yourself or to survive in the 21st century! you'll probably be better off not doing that🫶🏽
for anyone in high school or parents of high schoolers, PLEASE read this book. you don't have to go to college to make something of yourself or to survive in the 21st century! you'll probably be better off not doing that🫶🏽
November 2, 2023
The book is fine.
The book contains the author's version of (10) arguments against college.
Overall, I agree with the arguments, and the sentiments expressed by the author.
Note: I loved schooling, and have a graduate degree, having graduated in 1998. I love college education - and I recommend to anyone interested in educational topics check out the Teaching Company and their many courses, as well as the many (free) educational courses offered online by Hillsdale College, both of which I can personally attest to.
That said, I am greatly concerned that what I think of as my academic experience has little in common with the current college experience (and cost, let alone value) in 2023. My eldest child is currently in the mix of college applications, so I have been reading about colleges and the current generic college environment.
Anyway, the book is well written enough, and I suspect the points and cases made by the author are valid - but as might be expected, many if not most of the "evidence" for the arguments the author makes are anecdotal in nature.
Now the author has a rather unique background that bolsters the anecdotes due to the fact that his job involves traveling around to college after college meeting and talking to and with students - so the exposure that he gets to the overall environment is substantively different than most. But there is no doubt that college experiences and anecdotes - of all sides of an issue - abound, and so I am not entirely convinced that the book would persuade someone who is not already at least partially receptive to the arguments being made. (Of course the easiest argument against college is price/value, which in 2023, in my opinion, is the winning argument.)
That said, it is a valuable book, simply because it does question the orthodoxy: that in order to be successful, one must go to college.
Regardless of your position, if you are considering college or are the parent of someone considering college, you should read this book.
ADDENDUM: I finished this book a month ago. This review is going up in November 2023, weeks after the horrible tragedy in Israel on October 7th. Since that month, the news has been filled - daily, it seems - with deplorable conduct by college students, professors, and administrators. It further serves as evidence (what now seems presciently articulated in the book) to the author's points. And perhaps while "anecdotal" again in nature, the widespread events across what seems like almost all of our "elite" institutions speak to the seeming ubiquitous nature of the problems, and further support the author's arguments.
The book contains the author's version of (10) arguments against college.
Overall, I agree with the arguments, and the sentiments expressed by the author.
Note: I loved schooling, and have a graduate degree, having graduated in 1998. I love college education - and I recommend to anyone interested in educational topics check out the Teaching Company and their many courses, as well as the many (free) educational courses offered online by Hillsdale College, both of which I can personally attest to.
That said, I am greatly concerned that what I think of as my academic experience has little in common with the current college experience (and cost, let alone value) in 2023. My eldest child is currently in the mix of college applications, so I have been reading about colleges and the current generic college environment.
Anyway, the book is well written enough, and I suspect the points and cases made by the author are valid - but as might be expected, many if not most of the "evidence" for the arguments the author makes are anecdotal in nature.
Now the author has a rather unique background that bolsters the anecdotes due to the fact that his job involves traveling around to college after college meeting and talking to and with students - so the exposure that he gets to the overall environment is substantively different than most. But there is no doubt that college experiences and anecdotes - of all sides of an issue - abound, and so I am not entirely convinced that the book would persuade someone who is not already at least partially receptive to the arguments being made. (Of course the easiest argument against college is price/value, which in 2023, in my opinion, is the winning argument.)
That said, it is a valuable book, simply because it does question the orthodoxy: that in order to be successful, one must go to college.
Regardless of your position, if you are considering college or are the parent of someone considering college, you should read this book.
ADDENDUM: I finished this book a month ago. This review is going up in November 2023, weeks after the horrible tragedy in Israel on October 7th. Since that month, the news has been filled - daily, it seems - with deplorable conduct by college students, professors, and administrators. It further serves as evidence (what now seems presciently articulated in the book) to the author's points. And perhaps while "anecdotal" again in nature, the widespread events across what seems like almost all of our "elite" institutions speak to the seeming ubiquitous nature of the problems, and further support the author's arguments.
September 15, 2025
I typically refrain from commenting on one's political viewpoints until I’ve thoroughly examined their perspectives. However, after reading Charlie’s book(s), I question whether he has personally read The Communist Manifesto. As someone from what Charlie calls an “evil communist regime” that allegedly stifles critical thinking (while somehow simultaneously infiltrating the U.S.), I find his book VERY humorous.
While I agree with some of Charlie’s points—such as the economic burden of American college education and its failure to guarantee knowledge—his arguments often lack coherence and are self-contradictory.
Charlie portrays American colleges as “breeding grounds for a toxic, misogynistic, elitist social culture” [p. 26], where 40% of students drop out, yet simultaneously as institutions that promote a “fake leftist and equalist agenda” [p. 77]. He claims degrees are overly easy to obtain, allowing students to “lie down and get their diplomas,” which he argues diminishes their value in the eyes of employers. However, this depiction is inconsistent. If colleges are elitist and misogynistic, how are they also overly inclusive and easy to graduate from???
And Charlie accuses colleges of attempting to silence conservative points. Yet, when invited to speak at colleges, he suddenly claims students (not the colleges themselves) are still trying to silence him, even when their actions don’t necessarily reflect the institution’s stance. He further asserts that colleges teach students to hate, attributing this to Marxist indoctrination. This conflation of student dissent with institutional agendas is simply illogical; and could be interpreted as “discrimination” either way—it would be discriminating if the school rejected him; yet would also be discriminating if the school invited him to talk but the students have opposite views.
Plus, this book repeatedly labels disparate entities—China, Black Lives Matter, and trans rights activism—as “Marxist” without providing a clear definition of the term. He describes China as a (transphobic and homophobic) Marxist state, yet also equates progressive movements like BLM and trans rights advocacy with Marxism. Grouping them under a single label without explanation is so intellectually lazy. If Charlie wishes to critique Marxism, he must first define it clearly and demonstrate how these entities align with that definition.
What’s more funny, Charlie criticizes inclusive language in colleges, which encourages students to avoid assuming “American-ness, maleness, whiteness, heterosexuality, middle-class status, etc., as the norm.” He interprets this as implying that “the school thinks that every student is inherently racist or misogynistic”, which means that the school is “unfairly judging the students”. This leap in logic is so unfounded it makes me want to laugh. Furthermore, he claims conservatives are “every bit as tolerant and welcoming of diversity” as progressives, asserting that they support “God-given rights” for all. Sure, Mr. Conservative! Of corse everyone believes in a deity! (Inadvertently contradicting his own argument for universal tolerance by imposing a religious framework.)
Other minor flaws (not exactly part of his viewpoint, but also contradictory) also exist. Charlie argues that Chinese parents send students who struggle with the Gaokao (China’s rigorous college entrance exam) to American colleges for an “easy-peasy” liberal arts degree, which he sees as evidence of the “worthlessness” of American higher education [p. 77]. And right before that, he described China’s education system as oppressive and discouraging of critical thinking! If true, this could explain why some students seek alternatives abroad, rather than American colleges being inherently inferior, isn’t it?
And Charlie critiques Marxist ideas by claiming Marxists think that only hard work matters (and that’s why the income of the rich should be capped—they aren’t as necessarily hardworking as the poor, and their money isn’t well-earned), while literally contrasting this with entrepreneurs who “put their capital at risk” and work “eighty hours or more per week” [p. 93].
Therefore, While Charlie raises valid concerns about the cost and efficacy of American higher education, his book is marred by contradictory arguments, undefined terms, and misrepresentations of opposing views.
Anyway. If you want to refute you’re 100% right! I’m definitely in the wrong and of course I agree with you Americans have a failed college education! Guess I’ll just stick to my $600 per year evil brainless Chinese college education. LMAO
While I agree with some of Charlie’s points—such as the economic burden of American college education and its failure to guarantee knowledge—his arguments often lack coherence and are self-contradictory.
Charlie portrays American colleges as “breeding grounds for a toxic, misogynistic, elitist social culture” [p. 26], where 40% of students drop out, yet simultaneously as institutions that promote a “fake leftist and equalist agenda” [p. 77]. He claims degrees are overly easy to obtain, allowing students to “lie down and get their diplomas,” which he argues diminishes their value in the eyes of employers. However, this depiction is inconsistent. If colleges are elitist and misogynistic, how are they also overly inclusive and easy to graduate from???
And Charlie accuses colleges of attempting to silence conservative points. Yet, when invited to speak at colleges, he suddenly claims students (not the colleges themselves) are still trying to silence him, even when their actions don’t necessarily reflect the institution’s stance. He further asserts that colleges teach students to hate, attributing this to Marxist indoctrination. This conflation of student dissent with institutional agendas is simply illogical; and could be interpreted as “discrimination” either way—it would be discriminating if the school rejected him; yet would also be discriminating if the school invited him to talk but the students have opposite views.
Plus, this book repeatedly labels disparate entities—China, Black Lives Matter, and trans rights activism—as “Marxist” without providing a clear definition of the term. He describes China as a (transphobic and homophobic) Marxist state, yet also equates progressive movements like BLM and trans rights advocacy with Marxism. Grouping them under a single label without explanation is so intellectually lazy. If Charlie wishes to critique Marxism, he must first define it clearly and demonstrate how these entities align with that definition.
What’s more funny, Charlie criticizes inclusive language in colleges, which encourages students to avoid assuming “American-ness, maleness, whiteness, heterosexuality, middle-class status, etc., as the norm.” He interprets this as implying that “the school thinks that every student is inherently racist or misogynistic”, which means that the school is “unfairly judging the students”. This leap in logic is so unfounded it makes me want to laugh. Furthermore, he claims conservatives are “every bit as tolerant and welcoming of diversity” as progressives, asserting that they support “God-given rights” for all. Sure, Mr. Conservative! Of corse everyone believes in a deity! (Inadvertently contradicting his own argument for universal tolerance by imposing a religious framework.)
Other minor flaws (not exactly part of his viewpoint, but also contradictory) also exist. Charlie argues that Chinese parents send students who struggle with the Gaokao (China’s rigorous college entrance exam) to American colleges for an “easy-peasy” liberal arts degree, which he sees as evidence of the “worthlessness” of American higher education [p. 77]. And right before that, he described China’s education system as oppressive and discouraging of critical thinking! If true, this could explain why some students seek alternatives abroad, rather than American colleges being inherently inferior, isn’t it?
And Charlie critiques Marxist ideas by claiming Marxists think that only hard work matters (and that’s why the income of the rich should be capped—they aren’t as necessarily hardworking as the poor, and their money isn’t well-earned), while literally contrasting this with entrepreneurs who “put their capital at risk” and work “eighty hours or more per week” [p. 93].
Therefore, While Charlie raises valid concerns about the cost and efficacy of American higher education, his book is marred by contradictory arguments, undefined terms, and misrepresentations of opposing views.
Anyway. If you want to refute you’re 100% right! I’m definitely in the wrong and of course I agree with you Americans have a failed college education! Guess I’ll just stick to my $600 per year evil brainless Chinese college education. LMAO
August 16, 2022
Charlie Kirk presents a fairly compelling case for why one should think hard about whether attending college is a wise decision due to it being a hub of indoctrination and entering debt. This book could have benefited from a little more editing and there are a select few points where he blindly allows his political views to cloud his reasoning, but for the most part is a fairly solid read that parents ought to read before encouraging their children to commit to college.
July 23, 2025
Charlie Kirk lays out a ten-point indictment against the American higher education system in The College Scam and concludes that the system is not worth it for the majority of people. That said, I don't think he's right. While Kirk raises a few valid concerns, his arguments are often overstated, poorly sourced, and ideologically rigid.
A quick disclosure: I’m a liberal, college-educated man who has worked in higher education for nine years. I’m far from the typical audience the author would expect to persuade. Still, Charlie might be surprised to hear I don’t completely disagree with him. For instance, I agree that student loan debt has gotten out of hand and can cause serious financial hardship. I also agree that violence (against anyone) has no place on a college campus (or anywhere, for that matter), and that people who commit acts of violence should be held accountable. Lastly, I agree that not everyone needs to go to college, though I suspect he and I have different intentions when we say this. Beyond those points though, Charlie and I part ways.
First, let’s look at the format. The author presents his case in ten “counts” and asks the reader to render a verdict at the end. To keep this review as short as possible, I won’t go through each count, but I will say this: his argument could likely have been made in six. Several of the counts are extensions, or sub-points even, of others, which makes the book feel repetitive, almost as if padding for length.
Second, many of the points he raises are misinformed, anecdotal, or just inaccurate. For example, when explaining why colleges are overpriced, Kirk cites "administrative bloat," that is, too many deans, VPs, and other administrators. But he overlooks that many of these roles are required by federal and state regulations. We need directors of Title IX offices. We need financial aid and admissions leadership, as well as others. These positions exist because someone must manage the increasingly complex regulatory landscape, not simply because colleges enjoy hiring extra people.
In another example, Kirk discusses campus violence and claims that universities cause violent tendencies in students. Yet the first two incidents he describes don’t support that conclusion: one involved a man (not a student) hitting a Turning Point USA member, and the other took place at a restaurant, not on a campus. These examples undermine his argument and stretch credibility.
At the end of the book, Kirk attempts to distinguish between "liberals," "progressives," and "the left." But throughout most of the book, these groups are treated interchangeably. If you’re left of center politically, you're the enemy. At least, that’s the impression I got, regardless of where on that spectrum you fall. And, according to him, colleges are producing more enemies every day.
Kirk leans heavily on anecdotes to make his points. He cites blogs and podcasts (and occasionally stronger sources, to be fair), but often omits citations altogether. Still, the book is an easy read and will likely resonate with those who already agree with him. His tone is primarily persuasive, but it frequently shifts into polemic territory, with him favoring an ideological argument and emotionally charged narratives over nuance and balanced critique.
I want to repeat that not everything he says is wrong, but without deeper context or an understanding of how higher ed actually functions, he presents a distorted picture of colleges and universities.
This review is already long, and I could say more (both positive and negative), but I’ll end with this: there are real problems in U.S. higher education, and we need honest, thoughtful discussions about how to fix them. But this book isn’t the way to start that conversation. We need more evidence-based critique and less outrage-driven rhetoric. This book doesn't do that.
A quick disclosure: I’m a liberal, college-educated man who has worked in higher education for nine years. I’m far from the typical audience the author would expect to persuade. Still, Charlie might be surprised to hear I don’t completely disagree with him. For instance, I agree that student loan debt has gotten out of hand and can cause serious financial hardship. I also agree that violence (against anyone) has no place on a college campus (or anywhere, for that matter), and that people who commit acts of violence should be held accountable. Lastly, I agree that not everyone needs to go to college, though I suspect he and I have different intentions when we say this. Beyond those points though, Charlie and I part ways.
First, let’s look at the format. The author presents his case in ten “counts” and asks the reader to render a verdict at the end. To keep this review as short as possible, I won’t go through each count, but I will say this: his argument could likely have been made in six. Several of the counts are extensions, or sub-points even, of others, which makes the book feel repetitive, almost as if padding for length.
Second, many of the points he raises are misinformed, anecdotal, or just inaccurate. For example, when explaining why colleges are overpriced, Kirk cites "administrative bloat," that is, too many deans, VPs, and other administrators. But he overlooks that many of these roles are required by federal and state regulations. We need directors of Title IX offices. We need financial aid and admissions leadership, as well as others. These positions exist because someone must manage the increasingly complex regulatory landscape, not simply because colleges enjoy hiring extra people.
In another example, Kirk discusses campus violence and claims that universities cause violent tendencies in students. Yet the first two incidents he describes don’t support that conclusion: one involved a man (not a student) hitting a Turning Point USA member, and the other took place at a restaurant, not on a campus. These examples undermine his argument and stretch credibility.
At the end of the book, Kirk attempts to distinguish between "liberals," "progressives," and "the left." But throughout most of the book, these groups are treated interchangeably. If you’re left of center politically, you're the enemy. At least, that’s the impression I got, regardless of where on that spectrum you fall. And, according to him, colleges are producing more enemies every day.
Kirk leans heavily on anecdotes to make his points. He cites blogs and podcasts (and occasionally stronger sources, to be fair), but often omits citations altogether. Still, the book is an easy read and will likely resonate with those who already agree with him. His tone is primarily persuasive, but it frequently shifts into polemic territory, with him favoring an ideological argument and emotionally charged narratives over nuance and balanced critique.
I want to repeat that not everything he says is wrong, but without deeper context or an understanding of how higher ed actually functions, he presents a distorted picture of colleges and universities.
This review is already long, and I could say more (both positive and negative), but I’ll end with this: there are real problems in U.S. higher education, and we need honest, thoughtful discussions about how to fix them. But this book isn’t the way to start that conversation. We need more evidence-based critique and less outrage-driven rhetoric. This book doesn't do that.
January 8, 2023
Fantastic book! I highly recommend it. When I went to college I don’t recall it being as bad as today. I did not know Critical race theory has been around since 1970’s. I thought it was a new fad. But apparently it was started by the Marxist academia and universities. It’s not a fad that will pass so we Americans need to take a stand and push it out of the USA!
The Chicago Illinois university has a building plaque that says Abe Lincoln was a Democrat and they refuse to correct it to what Lincoln was, “A Republican”.
The Chicago Illinois university has a building plaque that says Abe Lincoln was a Democrat and they refuse to correct it to what Lincoln was, “A Republican”.
December 31, 2022
I appreciate the idea behind this book, but the entire book is completely subjective and strongly biased. It’s hard to read it with any respect to its credibility because of how subjective and aggressive the writing is haha. It just sounds like an angry boy complaining about college without that many reasonable arguments and evidence. I’m not disagreeing with the concept of the book, I just personally think it’s poorly written.
September 13, 2025
i really don't know if charlie kirk was qualified to write this book. because it was written in an academic style but he didn't go to school?? so i took everything with a grain of salt??
this was just bad
this was just bad
September 30, 2025
A must read for parents considering sending their kids or high schoolers thinking about going to college. College has its place, but it should be done with great discernment.
March 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸
This book is one of the best [nonfiction] books I’ve ever read. It is unapologetically American and completely FOR education. Because Charlie Kirk loved education so much, he hated our university system — because he saw there a system of indoctrination, intolerance, and ideological warfare, not true education at all.
Our universities force teens into going to college for no reason, force them into ruinous debt, and force them to accept ideologies that go against everything natural and right. In the name of ‘equity’ and ‘inclusion’, they’ve silenced conservative values and speech.
My generation and the generations to come have got to STAND UP for what they love and REFUSE TO SUBMIT to the scam. I’m still open-minded about college, and I do think there are a few absolutely great colleges out there (and so did Mr. Kirk), but I’m never going if I can’t find my ‘why’ and figure out how to go debt-free. I used to think that I would miss out on some great life experience by not going to college, but this book has shown me that the only thing I’m missing is mountains of crippling debt and leftist groupthink.
✨writing rating for us nerds: the writing was great: bold, well-worded and clear. I find a fair amount of conservative thinkers and writers using the same words over and over again until it gets annoying. I didn’t find (or possibly didn’t just notice) that here. I love how much he quotes, and they’re not just quotes from white conservative men either. In sharp contrast to the progressive hate speech that dominates the news cycle, Mr. Kirk’s book is careful to make a distinction between ‘liberals’ and ‘radicals’, which is something a lot of conservatives fail miserably at. Great ideas are nothing without great writing, and this book delivered both.
I will say, the chapter on political violence against conservatives was so sad to read after Charlie Kirk’s politically motivated assassination last year. I pray that these horrible events have opened the eyes of my generation and that they will spur us to action as we grow up and enter the adult world. Let’s start in the easiest possible way: avoid unnecessary debt and indoctrination by not mindlessly going to college! 🇺🇸
This book is one of the best [nonfiction] books I’ve ever read. It is unapologetically American and completely FOR education. Because Charlie Kirk loved education so much, he hated our university system — because he saw there a system of indoctrination, intolerance, and ideological warfare, not true education at all.
Our universities force teens into going to college for no reason, force them into ruinous debt, and force them to accept ideologies that go against everything natural and right. In the name of ‘equity’ and ‘inclusion’, they’ve silenced conservative values and speech.
My generation and the generations to come have got to STAND UP for what they love and REFUSE TO SUBMIT to the scam. I’m still open-minded about college, and I do think there are a few absolutely great colleges out there (and so did Mr. Kirk), but I’m never going if I can’t find my ‘why’ and figure out how to go debt-free. I used to think that I would miss out on some great life experience by not going to college, but this book has shown me that the only thing I’m missing is mountains of crippling debt and leftist groupthink.
✨writing rating for us nerds: the writing was great: bold, well-worded and clear. I find a fair amount of conservative thinkers and writers using the same words over and over again until it gets annoying. I didn’t find (or possibly didn’t just notice) that here. I love how much he quotes, and they’re not just quotes from white conservative men either. In sharp contrast to the progressive hate speech that dominates the news cycle, Mr. Kirk’s book is careful to make a distinction between ‘liberals’ and ‘radicals’, which is something a lot of conservatives fail miserably at. Great ideas are nothing without great writing, and this book delivered both.
I will say, the chapter on political violence against conservatives was so sad to read after Charlie Kirk’s politically motivated assassination last year. I pray that these horrible events have opened the eyes of my generation and that they will spur us to action as we grow up and enter the adult world. Let’s start in the easiest possible way: avoid unnecessary debt and indoctrination by not mindlessly going to college! 🇺🇸
April 13, 2026
"The College Scam" is brilliant. Great book.
May 2, 2023
This book gave me so much information on REAL stories and lawsuits related to the college scam. Charlie Kirk backs up his statements with factual evidence and alternatives to going to college. I still plan on attending college (Hillsdale, the only college he recommends, is #1 on my list), but I have my eyes open to the progressive ideas and stupidity that is sweeping our country. Counts 6 and 7 against colleges and universities talk about how outright violence is used against conservative students on campuses. Note to parents, make sure your kids will be attending a safe, conservative-friendly campus! As a prospective college student, I want to feel safe wherever I choose to study. Another take-away from this book is that we need to stop the idea that trade school is for dumb people or it's a poor decision to choose the workforce over the "college cartel".
Read this book and give it your family and friends - even if you still decide to attend college.
Read this book and give it your family and friends - even if you still decide to attend college.
May 2, 2023
BLUF: 3.5. Many of the points are good and valid, some are overstated, and there is no lack of copy and layout errors in this book.
Book is a ten-count indictment against higher education in the US. Author took a few community college classes and started a "conservative youth activist organization" in lieu of going to college, but he's been on the lecture circuit for years. His ten points are as follows:
1) Colleges and universities are running a scam
2) A College education is ridiculously overpriced
3) Universities have become obscenely rich at taxpayer and student expense
4) Colleges do not educate anyone
5) College ruins the ability to think and reason
6) College indoctrinates students and represses speech
7) Colleges and universities breed violence and hate
8) Colleges and universities have been infiltrated by subversive foreign groups
9) Colleges and universities have unleashed waves of woke, anti-American activists
10) Many professors are leftists radicals bent on indoctrinating students
(if "conservative youth activist organization" didn't clue you in to his political leanings, I'm sure the bottom part of the list did.) FWIW, I agree out of hand with Charles Murray's assertion that too many people are going to college, and that if college is as rigorous as it needs to be, most people won't be able to hack it. Thus, pushing everyone into going to college is a great way to saddle ignorant teenagers with debt, and that in many cases the investment does not pay off. But enough about what Charles and I think, what about Charlie Kirk's take?
Charlie has some good points, but reading this book quickly turns into beating a dead horse. There are basically three chapters about how college is a huge funnel of money from the middle class to these bloated institutions, three chapters about how college has a chilling effect on students and is a ridiculous waste of time while not teaching useful or necessary skills (except in the fields of STEM), and four chapters about how colleges promote violence and brainwashing, with a bunch of specific examples. I think a ten-count indictment was overkill, since his charges seem to fall into three overarching categories. Pecuniam vero vim.
My alma mater was never mentioned by name, and I'm not sure if I should be proud or left out. I went to school 20+ years ago, and loud but ineffective protests were the name of the game back then (especially with regards to Iraq War, immigration policies, and overt Islamic hatred, though according to Charlie the trend has shifted more towards Israeli hatred and anti-semitism). My school had also built a new housing complex and (at the time) promoted "Small Group Housing Clusters," where certain groups on campus could self-segregate from everyone else. I recall it being wildly unpopular, but have no idea how it's evolved over the past two decades.
Anyway, where do we go from here? Kirk says the system is not able to be reformed; it's too overgrown and corrupt and the best thing to do is to sidestep it altogether. He did make one suggestion I like: taxing universities' endowment funds. (He observes that most universities are merely hedge funds with higher education operations attached.) He would use the tax revenue to help poorer, struggling institutions, but I would let them fail. If their students don't make enough money to become donors later on, they deserve to wither and perish. I would use the tax revenue to reduce the overall student debt burden. He points out that for many of the most-endowed universities, the interest on the endowment could cover student tuition in perpetuity.
He recommends planning what you want to do with your life *before* considering college, rather than racking up $100K+ in student debt while you try to "figure things out." (One thing he specifically does not mention but I have seen a few times is to actually get some firsthand experience in a chosen field before getting a degree. There are too many people getting elementary education degrees or even legal degrees without ever knowing if they actually like working with children or in the legal sphere.) Recommends trade school or apprenticeships or just getting a job and acquiring real-world skills, and finding mentors, particularly if you decide to start a small business or non-profit or the like. If you do decide to go into a field where a degree is necessary, consider a smaller school and avoid living on campus.
He's also in favor of a shift against educational elitism, and plenty of blue-collar workers outearn people with degrees.
Do I think he'll get anywhere with this point of view? Probably not, at least not among the fully brainwashed. Among those who are running the numbers and realizing it's going to cost the better part of a million dollars to send their 2 or 3 kids to school in the coming years, only for them to become a Starbucks employee or a program director for a struggling not-for-profit.... maybe.
Book is a ten-count indictment against higher education in the US. Author took a few community college classes and started a "conservative youth activist organization" in lieu of going to college, but he's been on the lecture circuit for years. His ten points are as follows:
1) Colleges and universities are running a scam
2) A College education is ridiculously overpriced
3) Universities have become obscenely rich at taxpayer and student expense
4) Colleges do not educate anyone
5) College ruins the ability to think and reason
6) College indoctrinates students and represses speech
7) Colleges and universities breed violence and hate
8) Colleges and universities have been infiltrated by subversive foreign groups
9) Colleges and universities have unleashed waves of woke, anti-American activists
10) Many professors are leftists radicals bent on indoctrinating students
(if "conservative youth activist organization" didn't clue you in to his political leanings, I'm sure the bottom part of the list did.) FWIW, I agree out of hand with Charles Murray's assertion that too many people are going to college, and that if college is as rigorous as it needs to be, most people won't be able to hack it. Thus, pushing everyone into going to college is a great way to saddle ignorant teenagers with debt, and that in many cases the investment does not pay off. But enough about what Charles and I think, what about Charlie Kirk's take?
Charlie has some good points, but reading this book quickly turns into beating a dead horse. There are basically three chapters about how college is a huge funnel of money from the middle class to these bloated institutions, three chapters about how college has a chilling effect on students and is a ridiculous waste of time while not teaching useful or necessary skills (except in the fields of STEM), and four chapters about how colleges promote violence and brainwashing, with a bunch of specific examples. I think a ten-count indictment was overkill, since his charges seem to fall into three overarching categories. Pecuniam vero vim.
My alma mater was never mentioned by name, and I'm not sure if I should be proud or left out. I went to school 20+ years ago, and loud but ineffective protests were the name of the game back then (especially with regards to Iraq War, immigration policies, and overt Islamic hatred, though according to Charlie the trend has shifted more towards Israeli hatred and anti-semitism). My school had also built a new housing complex and (at the time) promoted "Small Group Housing Clusters," where certain groups on campus could self-segregate from everyone else. I recall it being wildly unpopular, but have no idea how it's evolved over the past two decades.
Anyway, where do we go from here? Kirk says the system is not able to be reformed; it's too overgrown and corrupt and the best thing to do is to sidestep it altogether. He did make one suggestion I like: taxing universities' endowment funds. (He observes that most universities are merely hedge funds with higher education operations attached.) He would use the tax revenue to help poorer, struggling institutions, but I would let them fail. If their students don't make enough money to become donors later on, they deserve to wither and perish. I would use the tax revenue to reduce the overall student debt burden. He points out that for many of the most-endowed universities, the interest on the endowment could cover student tuition in perpetuity.
He recommends planning what you want to do with your life *before* considering college, rather than racking up $100K+ in student debt while you try to "figure things out." (One thing he specifically does not mention but I have seen a few times is to actually get some firsthand experience in a chosen field before getting a degree. There are too many people getting elementary education degrees or even legal degrees without ever knowing if they actually like working with children or in the legal sphere.) Recommends trade school or apprenticeships or just getting a job and acquiring real-world skills, and finding mentors, particularly if you decide to start a small business or non-profit or the like. If you do decide to go into a field where a degree is necessary, consider a smaller school and avoid living on campus.
He's also in favor of a shift against educational elitism, and plenty of blue-collar workers outearn people with degrees.
Do I think he'll get anywhere with this point of view? Probably not, at least not among the fully brainwashed. Among those who are running the numbers and realizing it's going to cost the better part of a million dollars to send their 2 or 3 kids to school in the coming years, only for them to become a Starbucks employee or a program director for a struggling not-for-profit.... maybe.
March 29, 2026
-The thing that stuck with me the most-
The Thousand Talents Program/ HARVARD'S Charles Lieber was a very interesting section.
No wonder colleges are so anti-america. The funds from other countries are insane! (Page 146) Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Russia. Why would so many countries that hate America donate so much money to their colleges? I dunno... maybe indoctrination.
The Palestinian Authority which constantly pleads poverty donated more than 1 million to Harvard University which has a 40.9 billion endowment! HARVARD DOES NOT NEED MORE MONEY! They make more money than some COUNTRIES.
No wonder college promote antisemitism.
Before I get into how stupid college is just a fun detail is a college had a class called Spongebobology... Oberlin Experimental College- there are some many useless classes in colleges its hilarious.
(This one is silly but every college student has had to take classes that don't have anything to do with the career they plan on going into. Forcing you to take stupid classes that won't help you and making YOU go in debt even more is already proof of the scam of college XD)
The main sections of the book
The game is rigged against you, the obscene cost of a diploma, where does all the money go?, colleges don't educate anymore, the lunacy of college, how they try to shut us up, violence and hate on campus, foreign influence on campus, woke and weaponized, the professor watch list, only in America, how to succeed without a degree.
Graduation rates suck, most degrees suck and won't get you a job anyway and leave you with life long debt OR leave your parents with the debt if they agreed to pay. College went from a place of learning to indoctrination, and its clear from the hate crimes against the minority of conservatives and their viewpoints on college campuses.
Colleges prey on high-school graduates. College doesn't make people grow up faster it prolongs their teenage years mindset. Most students go to college because they get out of their parents place, have low responsibilities(oh boy lets go party and hang out), and "free money" from their college for 4 years and get a slip of paper they are told will help them get a career (that if they do get they will mostly just be paying off their debt anyway, and if they fall behind they are practically screwed)
I was in college for a year (my mother pressured me) and even in culinary i was forced to take a diversity class.... "yes when I am cooking I am thinking about how racist I am"? (And the class by the way mostly just talked about how all white people are racist which totally isnt a racist statement)
Colleges don't promote free speech, they promote leftist speech. If you say anything different you are a racist or a bigot.
The book goes through studies of how most college students don't get better critical thinking skills after the four years, some even decline. College is an echo chamber. The book talks about hate crimes against real people, conservative people, that are ignored just because of their political views. This book goes into how some Universities make more money than entire countries, where the money goes, how the government has made college worse and worse, and even how left wing politicians make false promises about forgiving debt when they LITERALLY DO NOT HAVE THE POWER TO XD
No one should be discriminated against for their race, sex, political views, etc. Especially in a place thats supposed to be for education. The real world has different opinions than just one person, giving adults safe spaces is stupid.
The book goes in great detail, talks about the sources used, even actual CASES. You know? TRAILS AND LAWS.
Individual thought is not promoted in colleges. It is crazy how so many American colleges are anti-America. Nothing screams privilege louder than "we have it so bad we only cry about pronouns" while other countries have no food, no free speech, terrorist attacks, etc.
The book also talks about Black Conservatives who are discriminated against. Black voices matter until they are conservative.
Conservative debate tables set up and random left wing Individuals caught on camera starting fights, physical violence.
Example; Hayden Williams and Zachary Greenberg. Greenberg would then go on to stab someone over arguing about a bike on a sidewalk btw.
The book goes into stories from medical students aswell. Like a professor (his name is given i just forget it... read the book) who had to apologize to his class because he said "when a woman is pregnant"
Instead of saying a birthing person or something stupid like that. Medical professors can't even speak on birth scientifically without triggering students.
Or we can talk about the video of a conservative being surrounded by left wingers and one smashes his head with a bike lock ON VIDEO.
The left talks about the intolerant right but I see way more violent videos of the left attacking right wingers for simply wearing a conservative shirt or having a table. (Oh yeah, and who wrote this book again? Charlie Kirk. A peaceful conservative who was killed at a university. And then a large amount of leftist posted videos celebrating a father dying and silencing of a different political opinion)
College encourage rage and violence. Radical leftists who attack conservative students are rarely punished. The aggressors use language like "THEY MAKE ME FEEL UNSAFE" when the radical left is the one committing physical violence.
There are cases of colleges punishing conservative students for asking questions to liberal professors. Videos of it being peaceful and then telling the man (in this specific case) that he HAS to go to counciling to return to the college. All he did was ask questions and the college is like "we cant have that. You need to fall in line" but these colleges dont do the same for radical left students who commit physical violence towards conservative students.
No one should be physically assaulted for their political beliefs, not conservatives, not liberals. No one.
Doxing situations are also crazy, look at Peyton Lofton, a fire set outside his dorm door. Or look at Keaton Hill who assaulted Johnson and started everything hostile online.
Adults should not be coddled, infantilized, and given safe spaces. Getting offended should not result in immediate physical violence. Life is offensive. Nothing is going to always be a walk in the park.
The book also goes into left wing professors (yes, name drops) who promoted violence and racism towards white people, genocide, rioting, and anarchy. And these people STILL HAVE THEIR JOBS
Like George Ciccariello-Maher "All I want for Christmas is white genocide" he also supports violent riots, how nice. Because all business owners should have their shops vandalized and burned to the ground. (Sarcasm)
I will always say radical liberals are worse that radical Republicans. The amount of violent riots, shootings, and attacks is only rising.
great book. I finished it in one day. it has a lot of information and hearing about these real people and how their lives have been effected by college debt, professors, or whatever was very interesting. it was just information after information thrown into my face and I was also looking up these people while reading the book and the videos the book talks about are insane.
I highly encourage people to go down the rabbit hole of College, how colleges used to be, what changed, how they grow to be more violent and hostile environments, where there money comes from and thinking on why would countries that hate America suddenly love the colleges, the billions of dollars colleges generate, how bankruptcy laws screw college studens who fall behind, professors attacking students or harassing students for right wing opinions OR just asking questions, and how tuition keeps getting more and more expensive. SORRY JUST REMEMBERED- Professors making their own books and selling them to students for the classes they HAVE to take, AND how during covid colleges charged the SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY TOWARDS STUDENTS even though they werent even going to class AND some professors who didnt want to be recorded just sent in slide shows so you WERE NOT EVEN GETTING A LECTURE
total scam, rip off, garbage.
turning youth into communism socialism loving bots.
I dont understand how anyone can want high government control. crazy.
The Thousand Talents Program/ HARVARD'S Charles Lieber was a very interesting section.
No wonder colleges are so anti-america. The funds from other countries are insane! (Page 146) Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Russia. Why would so many countries that hate America donate so much money to their colleges? I dunno... maybe indoctrination.
The Palestinian Authority which constantly pleads poverty donated more than 1 million to Harvard University which has a 40.9 billion endowment! HARVARD DOES NOT NEED MORE MONEY! They make more money than some COUNTRIES.
No wonder college promote antisemitism.
Before I get into how stupid college is just a fun detail is a college had a class called Spongebobology... Oberlin Experimental College- there are some many useless classes in colleges its hilarious.
(This one is silly but every college student has had to take classes that don't have anything to do with the career they plan on going into. Forcing you to take stupid classes that won't help you and making YOU go in debt even more is already proof of the scam of college XD)
The main sections of the book
The game is rigged against you, the obscene cost of a diploma, where does all the money go?, colleges don't educate anymore, the lunacy of college, how they try to shut us up, violence and hate on campus, foreign influence on campus, woke and weaponized, the professor watch list, only in America, how to succeed without a degree.
Graduation rates suck, most degrees suck and won't get you a job anyway and leave you with life long debt OR leave your parents with the debt if they agreed to pay. College went from a place of learning to indoctrination, and its clear from the hate crimes against the minority of conservatives and their viewpoints on college campuses.
Colleges prey on high-school graduates. College doesn't make people grow up faster it prolongs their teenage years mindset. Most students go to college because they get out of their parents place, have low responsibilities(oh boy lets go party and hang out), and "free money" from their college for 4 years and get a slip of paper they are told will help them get a career (that if they do get they will mostly just be paying off their debt anyway, and if they fall behind they are practically screwed)
I was in college for a year (my mother pressured me) and even in culinary i was forced to take a diversity class.... "yes when I am cooking I am thinking about how racist I am"? (And the class by the way mostly just talked about how all white people are racist which totally isnt a racist statement)
Colleges don't promote free speech, they promote leftist speech. If you say anything different you are a racist or a bigot.
The book goes through studies of how most college students don't get better critical thinking skills after the four years, some even decline. College is an echo chamber. The book talks about hate crimes against real people, conservative people, that are ignored just because of their political views. This book goes into how some Universities make more money than entire countries, where the money goes, how the government has made college worse and worse, and even how left wing politicians make false promises about forgiving debt when they LITERALLY DO NOT HAVE THE POWER TO XD
No one should be discriminated against for their race, sex, political views, etc. Especially in a place thats supposed to be for education. The real world has different opinions than just one person, giving adults safe spaces is stupid.
The book goes in great detail, talks about the sources used, even actual CASES. You know? TRAILS AND LAWS.
Individual thought is not promoted in colleges. It is crazy how so many American colleges are anti-America. Nothing screams privilege louder than "we have it so bad we only cry about pronouns" while other countries have no food, no free speech, terrorist attacks, etc.
The book also talks about Black Conservatives who are discriminated against. Black voices matter until they are conservative.
Conservative debate tables set up and random left wing Individuals caught on camera starting fights, physical violence.
Example; Hayden Williams and Zachary Greenberg. Greenberg would then go on to stab someone over arguing about a bike on a sidewalk btw.
The book goes into stories from medical students aswell. Like a professor (his name is given i just forget it... read the book) who had to apologize to his class because he said "when a woman is pregnant"
Instead of saying a birthing person or something stupid like that. Medical professors can't even speak on birth scientifically without triggering students.
Or we can talk about the video of a conservative being surrounded by left wingers and one smashes his head with a bike lock ON VIDEO.
The left talks about the intolerant right but I see way more violent videos of the left attacking right wingers for simply wearing a conservative shirt or having a table. (Oh yeah, and who wrote this book again? Charlie Kirk. A peaceful conservative who was killed at a university. And then a large amount of leftist posted videos celebrating a father dying and silencing of a different political opinion)
College encourage rage and violence. Radical leftists who attack conservative students are rarely punished. The aggressors use language like "THEY MAKE ME FEEL UNSAFE" when the radical left is the one committing physical violence.
There are cases of colleges punishing conservative students for asking questions to liberal professors. Videos of it being peaceful and then telling the man (in this specific case) that he HAS to go to counciling to return to the college. All he did was ask questions and the college is like "we cant have that. You need to fall in line" but these colleges dont do the same for radical left students who commit physical violence towards conservative students.
No one should be physically assaulted for their political beliefs, not conservatives, not liberals. No one.
Doxing situations are also crazy, look at Peyton Lofton, a fire set outside his dorm door. Or look at Keaton Hill who assaulted Johnson and started everything hostile online.
Adults should not be coddled, infantilized, and given safe spaces. Getting offended should not result in immediate physical violence. Life is offensive. Nothing is going to always be a walk in the park.
The book also goes into left wing professors (yes, name drops) who promoted violence and racism towards white people, genocide, rioting, and anarchy. And these people STILL HAVE THEIR JOBS
Like George Ciccariello-Maher "All I want for Christmas is white genocide" he also supports violent riots, how nice. Because all business owners should have their shops vandalized and burned to the ground. (Sarcasm)
I will always say radical liberals are worse that radical Republicans. The amount of violent riots, shootings, and attacks is only rising.
great book. I finished it in one day. it has a lot of information and hearing about these real people and how their lives have been effected by college debt, professors, or whatever was very interesting. it was just information after information thrown into my face and I was also looking up these people while reading the book and the videos the book talks about are insane.
I highly encourage people to go down the rabbit hole of College, how colleges used to be, what changed, how they grow to be more violent and hostile environments, where there money comes from and thinking on why would countries that hate America suddenly love the colleges, the billions of dollars colleges generate, how bankruptcy laws screw college studens who fall behind, professors attacking students or harassing students for right wing opinions OR just asking questions, and how tuition keeps getting more and more expensive. SORRY JUST REMEMBERED- Professors making their own books and selling them to students for the classes they HAVE to take, AND how during covid colleges charged the SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY TOWARDS STUDENTS even though they werent even going to class AND some professors who didnt want to be recorded just sent in slide shows so you WERE NOT EVEN GETTING A LECTURE
total scam, rip off, garbage.
turning youth into communism socialism loving bots.
I dont understand how anyone can want high government control. crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2022
Very well documented presentation on how colleges and universities are filled with corruption and serve to defraud students rather than educate. I hope lots of parents and grandparents read this and help thei children make good choices. My favorite idea from the book is to tax university endowments and use that money to reduce student loan debt.
December 15, 2024
Funnily enough, my mom gave this to me a few months before I moved to Alaska to... primarily go to college.
Some good points ARE brought up and I do agree with some. No point in a degree if you don't know what you want to do with it.
But it's not just liberal agendas colleges push, Christian conservative colleges aren't innocent all the time, either. It goes both ways.
I think almost everyone should take a gap year before college. It gives you perspective and time to breathe from school, which is what I think most people need.
Is college a scam? Probably for things you can learn yourself or with the help of someone else for way cheaper. Music, film, art, etc. Obviously, we need some people to get degrees, but people need to ask "why" before "where" for college. One of the best arguments here.
Some good points ARE brought up and I do agree with some. No point in a degree if you don't know what you want to do with it.
But it's not just liberal agendas colleges push, Christian conservative colleges aren't innocent all the time, either. It goes both ways.
I think almost everyone should take a gap year before college. It gives you perspective and time to breathe from school, which is what I think most people need.
Is college a scam? Probably for things you can learn yourself or with the help of someone else for way cheaper. Music, film, art, etc. Obviously, we need some people to get degrees, but people need to ask "why" before "where" for college. One of the best arguments here.
June 10, 2024
This is an excellent book! I loved the "prosecutorial approach" the author used. It was very effective in making the case. Before a parent invests the money to send their kids to college, they should read this book. Poor planning, lack of purpose, and availability of government loans is stifling the younger generation and greatly undermining any chance for a successful future. Charlie Kirk's book makes that very clear.
March 13, 2025
Lots of hard truths in here. The author cites plenty of anecdotes and sound bites that many conservatives will be familiar with. Thought-provoking, but halfway through, the author focuses more on his organization The Turning Point more than focusing on the value of going to college.
October 11, 2025
Funny stuff
The guy who didn’t go to college, who said he’d force his ten year old daughter to carry a child to term if she was assaulted, who sent so much horrible karma in the world, has decided that college is bad for you.
Priceless
The guy who didn’t go to college, who said he’d force his ten year old daughter to carry a child to term if she was assaulted, who sent so much horrible karma in the world, has decided that college is bad for you.
Priceless
June 20, 2025
Worst book I’ve read this year
September 18, 2025
nothing professional or mature to see here folks,just a book by a dead fast cis
October 3, 2025
In this book Charlie makes a very practical case against colleges and universities, as they have become administratively bloated, dogmatically Leftist, completely intolerant of opposing views, and cost prohibitive. His mantra of "don't go to college" is sound advice for most young people coming out of high school. In too many cases, young people are going to college out of cultural tradition, not realizing that their student loan debt will cripple and enslave them for most of their adult years. The decision to attend college should be reserved for young people with specific, technical career goals in mind, who can employ specific high level skills in a well paying field. Those who do not go to college have many options such as immediate employment, apprenticeships, and technical schools, all of which keep the burden of debt away.
The best way to fight the destructive Leftist onslaught is to have stable families, stay debt free, and serve God in the place where you live.
The best way to fight the destructive Leftist onslaught is to have stable families, stay debt free, and serve God in the place where you live.
January 12, 2026
Basically proved how universities have become so woke and how they have removed all of the amazing things that our Founding Fathers have said and done. Basically, all the doctrines on what America was founded upon. They have lost their timelessness and intelligence by the Marxist agenda that they teach to many students.
I also love how Kirk talks about how to be successful without having to go to college and thus being debt-free as a bonus. Definitely recommend this book if you are someone debating on whether college is the best course or not.
I also love how Kirk talks about how to be successful without having to go to college and thus being debt-free as a bonus. Definitely recommend this book if you are someone debating on whether college is the best course or not.
January 25, 2026
Want to Read
As a young person, thinking of my future and the path I'm wanting to go in life, I'm very interested in reading Charlie's thoughts about college. College truly is a scam, brainwashing generations of young adults and sucking money from their pockets. Its become a tradition for people -- you have to go to college after highschool, otherwise you'll never make a career.
This cannot be farther from the truth and I have a feeling Charlie's only going to solidify my thoughts on this subject. XD
As a young person, thinking of my future and the path I'm wanting to go in life, I'm very interested in reading Charlie's thoughts about college. College truly is a scam, brainwashing generations of young adults and sucking money from their pockets. Its become a tradition for people -- you have to go to college after highschool, otherwise you'll never make a career.
This cannot be farther from the truth and I have a feeling Charlie's only going to solidify my thoughts on this subject. XD
December 9, 2025
This was a book that I would not have picked up myself but read it as a pre read for one of my kids. 🤩
It has a lot of interesting (and frustrating😉) info, highly recommend reading it! Especially if you or one of your children is contemplating college.
It has a lot of interesting (and frustrating😉) info, highly recommend reading it! Especially if you or one of your children is contemplating college.
April 6, 2026
If I had intentions of going to college before reading this book, I wouldn't anymore... As it is, I already had a firm idea of why I wouldn't go, so I'm just giving this 4 stars.
What an incredible wealth of eye opening information! The nearly-untold atrocities committed against peaceful, conservative students are horrifying, and anyone considering going to college should take that decision very, VERY seriously!
Charlie shares so many stories (with reputable sources) of violence against peaceful conservatives, horror stories about student loan debt (pretty much indenturing people for a big part, if not all, of their life), the corrupt teachers and professors pushing their own agendas, and how about the list of deans with fake jobs - over 16 pages long?!?
My favorite story of the ridiculous policies allowed on colleges is in chapter 10, about the student who chose "his majesty" as his pronouns for the university data base. 😆
Definitely read this book/share it if you or someone you know is thinking about going to college. It will make a difference.
What an incredible wealth of eye opening information! The nearly-untold atrocities committed against peaceful, conservative students are horrifying, and anyone considering going to college should take that decision very, VERY seriously!
Charlie shares so many stories (with reputable sources) of violence against peaceful conservatives, horror stories about student loan debt (pretty much indenturing people for a big part, if not all, of their life), the corrupt teachers and professors pushing their own agendas, and how about the list of deans with fake jobs - over 16 pages long?!?
My favorite story of the ridiculous policies allowed on colleges is in chapter 10, about the student who chose "his majesty" as his pronouns for the university data base. 😆
Definitely read this book/share it if you or someone you know is thinking about going to college. It will make a difference.
September 25, 2025
This book is phenomenal! So much research went into this book. For every indictment against college there are multiple cases in point to back it up. I learned so much! Can't say enough about it. Great job Charlie!
February 1, 2026
I am a woman who received a BA but found joy in being a stay at home mom. Charlie says what I’ve been feeling, college was a waste of my time.
I also read this book hearing his voice and it would bring tears to my eyes. Such an intelligent person but always mocked for his lack of a college education. He is proof you don’t need one to be successful!
I also read this book hearing his voice and it would bring tears to my eyes. Such an intelligent person but always mocked for his lack of a college education. He is proof you don’t need one to be successful!
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