NOT worth the cost—unless the undergraduate is merely a stepping stone for grad school (and a clear income stream).
The Wall Street Journal and NORC released poll results on Mar. 31 showing that only 42 percent of Americans think that college is worth the cost.
A terminal Bachelor’s degree in History or Womyn’s Studies (alone) or sociology is just a very expensive thing that usually won’t monetarily pay off for decades, if ever.
Even someone with a Master’s degree in Psychology is usually hosed. They can’t teach at a university (as tenure-track faculty), and in the business world, no one gives a rip about that credential. PLUS, they have huge student debt that cannot even be discharged through bankruptcy. They will be using a walker long before they are done paying on that!
Even Boise State (not a great academic school) has tuition of almost $9,000 a year (two semesters)–for residents! For non-residents, tuition is $25,000 a year. And on top of that there are housing and living expenses…
Back in the day, most people didn’t go to college. Only those who really needed to or who were academics did. Then there was spasm of “Everyone should go to college” and college was seen as the gateway to the (at least) middle class.
And indeed there still are some benefits inherent in the college experience. But $100,000 worth? Is it worth being a quasi indentured servant who can’t afford to get married, have children, or get a house for the rest of your life?
Community college can indeed work well. But $80+ grand for four+ years at a University and crushing debt for a terminal Bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism?