Final answer:
American higher education strengths include diverse public support for a range of institutions and a focus on building human capital, which is vital in today's knowledge-driven global economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Gregorian perspective, the strengths of American higher education include public support for a diverse array of educational institutions, from two-year community colleges to large research universities. This support promotes access to higher education across various socio-economic groups.
Another strength is the focus on developing human capital, which is crucial for the U.S. economy given that knowledge workers such as engineers, scientists, doctors, and computer programmers drive the global economy.
Additionally, American higher education has seen a rise in educational levels among those 25 and older, which suggests an increase in the depth of skills and knowledge in the workforce.
While some challenges persist, such as the degree completion rate compared to other industrialized nations and the recruitment of teachers, these strengths underpin the robust nature of the American higher education system.