“Elite universities do more harm than good by creating inequality.”

You're right that their brand creates a hierarchy, but that's a symptom of a society that overvalues pedigree. The real harm is how they hoover up talent and resources, making it harder for other institutions to compete and innovate.

I disagree. These universities also drive massive social mobility through need-blind aid. For many low-income students, they're the most affordable option and provide networks that would otherwise be completely inaccessible.

Can we separate the harm of perception from actual harm? Do elite universities cause inequality, or do they simply reflect and amplify the existing inequalities in our K-12 system and society at large?

Absolutely agree. The 'second-rate' perception is toxic. It devalues the excellent education at public colleges and entrenches a class divide where a handful of names on a resume unlock doors that merit alone cannot.