This document is the introduction to a research paper on the development of higher education in the United States since the 1960s. It discusses the aims of exploring how higher education has changed dramatically since World War II. In particular, it will examine the evolution of the public and private sectors of higher education. The introduction notes there is debate around how to properly classify institutions of higher education. It then previews the structure of the paper, which will provide historical overviews and discuss major issues like accountability, affordability and financial aid. The introduction establishes that higher education is important to a nation's development, making this an insightful topic to explore.