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The College Scam by Charlie Kirk Summary

The College Scam
Charlie Kirk
4.17 (280 Reviews)
Education
Society
Economics
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Overview of The College Scam

Is higher education a $700 billion trap? In "The College Scam," conservative thought leader Charlie Kirk exposes how universities are bankrupting America's youth while pushing ideological agendas. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich calls it essential reading for anyone questioning traditional degree paths.

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Key takeaways

1

The College Cartel: America's Most Expensive Piece of Paper

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Why does a piece of paper cost $150,000 and four years of your life? The college degree-once America's golden ticket-has morphed into what may be the most overpriced purchase most people will ever make. While politicians and celebrities relentlessly push young people toward universities, a growing rebellion questions this path. Behind the scenes operates what could be called "the college cartel"-a system promising education and careers but delivering debt and indoctrination. With student loan debt surpassing $1.7 trillion and employers increasingly questioning graduates' preparedness, millions are realizing that for most young Americans, college has become a dangerous scam. The fundamental problem begins with asking the wrong question: "Where should I go to college?" instead of "Why should I go at all?" This seemingly small distinction reveals how deeply the college myth has embedded itself in American culture, creating a system where students blindly enter universities without clear goals, accumulating massive debt while hoping to somehow "figure it out" along the way.

2

The Unholy Alliance: How Students Became Cash Cows

3

Hedge Funds with Universities Attached

4

The Educational Mirage: What Are Students Actually Learning?

5

The Death of Critical Thinking on Campus

6

From Words to Violence: The Dangerous Campus Climate

7

Beyond the Ivory Tower: Real Paths to Success

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@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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star
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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@Jaded_Falcon
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@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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