Comparing my experience in higher education to the constant litany of negative literature on education sends up red flags. I typically write off books/articles in this genre as fear mongering.

I've not read this particular book, but a lot like it. The typical pattern is that engineering majors don't see order-of-magnitude in writing and "critical thinking", and humanities students don't see order-to-magnitude improvements in science and math.

But then the author averages everything together and concludes no body's learning much. Go figure.

Getting a lot of value out of college isn't hard. Attend a state school or reputable private college (read: typically for-profits and online programs are a waste of money; mileage may vary). Once there, major in math, a science, or a core humanity (the latter typically doubled with education or another "practical" major). Meet people and have a good time, but make sure you're spending 30-40 hrs/wk on course work.