This study analyzed 217 descriptions of “higher education for the public good” that were provided by participants in two national programs that focused on the public role and responsibilities of higher education. Both programs were created and administered by the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good at the University of Michigan. Four independent content analyses were conducted on the 217 descriptions, which yielded five main themes and nineteen subthemes of “higher education for the public good.” Additionally, several overarching foci emerged that cut across many of the thematic areas. This article concludes with a discussion of important implications for public policy, institutional practices, community relations, research, curricular and cocurricular offerings to students, and the choices and quality of relationships institutions engage in with other social entities.