<p>A strong sports program may lead to a certain type of alumni loyalty but it does not necessarily lead to well prepared alumni. If the profits from the sports program are utilized for academic purposes, then great, keep the program. Otherwise, attending a school because it has a strong sports program is a poor decision (unless you are an athlete).</p>
<p>In any case, the problem with higher education is that US society believes a college education is “job training” and not what is intended to be, a place where intellectuals gather to research and teach for the main purpose of advancing knowledge.</p>