Answer:

college

AnswerCrossword Clue
COLLEGEBoston ..
COLLEGEWhat's central to each of the theme entries
COLLEGEPlace of study
COLLEGEThe halls of learning
COLLEGEDegree conferrer
COLLEGELearning locale
COLLEGEWord from the Latin for "community"
COLLEGESociety of scholars.
COLLEGE"Bright ... years."
COLLEGESmith, for instance.
COLLEGEElectoral ....
COLLEGEGoal of many young Americans.
COLLEGEBucknell or Finch.
COLLEGECardinals' group.
COLLEGESeat of learning.
COLLEGEUniversity unit
COLLEGEPart of C.C.N.Y.
COLLEGEBeloit or Berea
COLLEGEWilliam and Mary, e.g.
COLLEGEFellow's place
COLLEGEHall locale
COLLEGEEmerson or Dickinson
COLLEGEWord with Boards or try
COLLEGEWhere you might get the third degree
COLLEGEWord with days or try
COLLEGEBachelors' pad?
COLLEGEWhat's helpful to a degree?