* Expanding access to higher education: Prior to the act, higher education was largely inaccessible to the working and middle classes, primarily serving wealthy elites. The Morrill Act provided federal land grants to states, which they could sell to raise funds to establish colleges that focused on practical, "agricultural and mechanical arts" education. This made higher education more affordable and accessible to a broader range of students.
* Creating a new model of higher education: The land-grant colleges differed significantly from the established, classical colleges. They offered curricula focused on practical skills relevant to agriculture, engineering, science, and other applied fields, filling a critical need for skilled workers in a rapidly industrializing nation.
* Promoting scientific and technological advancement: By emphasizing practical sciences and technological education, the act spurred innovation and research in these fields, contributing significantly to America's economic and technological growth.
* Developing a more diverse student body: While initially not perfectly inclusive, the land-grant colleges eventually became more diverse than traditional colleges, admitting students regardless of social class and often providing opportunities for women and minorities (though significant progress on equality took much longer).
In short, the Morrill Act democratized higher education, modernized the curriculum, fostered scientific progress, and laid the foundation for the vast network of land-grant universities that exist today. Many of the most prestigious public universities in the United States trace their origins to this legislation.