Introduction
A record 35 percent of Americans had attended at least four years of college in 2018 — up from 4.6 percent in 1940. But with tuition rising as much as four times faster than inflation, many graduates are facing high amounts of college debt — almost $30,000 on average — and more than 40 percent are underemployed in their first jobs. These trends raise questions about whether a college degree today is worth the time and money. Studies continue to show a four-year degree boosts lifetime earnings over those of high school graduates, but new research shows that not all graduates will see a strong return on investment, depending on gender, race, family income and type of degree. Employers, meanwhile, complain they cannot find skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Some experts recommend expanding low-cost alternative training programs, such as vocational education and skills-based “boot camps.” Consumer advocates raise concerns that some for-profit training programs require oversight to prevent inadequate learning or fraud, yet the Trump administration has been deregulating the industry.
A student at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., wears a lei made of dollar bills to her commencement in June. While college graduates will earn more on average than people with only a high school degree, tuition costs have been rising faster than inflation, raising questions about the worth of a college degree. (AFP/Getty Images/Robyn Beck)
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Oct. 25, 2019 |
College Costs |
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Nov. 18, 2016 |
Student Debt |
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Oct. 21, 2011 |
Student Debt |
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Jan. 25, 2008 |
Student Aid |
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Dec. 05, 2003 |
Rising College Costs |
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Nov. 20, 1992 |
Paying for College |
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May 19, 1989 |
What's Behind High College Price Tags |
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May 23, 1986 |
Student Aid |
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Aug. 14, 1981 |
Tuition Tax Credits |
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Feb. 24, 1971 |
College Financing |
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Nov. 27, 1968 |
Financing of Private Colleges |
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Mar. 25, 1959 |
Costs of Education |
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May 04, 1955 |
Higher Education For The Millions |
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