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Is Higher Education Worth the Price?

The Major Issue with Higher Education Today

In the documentary, The Ivory Tower some of the development of higher education is revealed. As time went on the focus of college began to diminish. And then college was looked at as this commodity to be sold versus a journey of intellectual growth. A quote from the documentary displays this process perfectly: “you begin to see a tension developing between the mission to educate young people, and the competition for prestige, to out-build your rivals. American colleges are driven by the pursuit of prestige. And the way you get prestige is that you get the highest ranking which expands your market, and allows you to charge more. So, in order to go up the ladder, everybody has to keep adding more programs and more facilities at a faster rate than the competitors" (The Ivory Tower). The documentary states that "College tuition has increased more than any other good or service in the entire US economy since 1978" proving that college is becoming a marketing system (The Ivory Tower). 

In a way “colleges have kind of lost their way about who they are and what they are,” after losing purpose, money has become the focus for these colleges not only for survival against other colleges but so their name can have prestige  (The Ivory Tower). 

Pros & Cons of Higher Education

However, I'm going to offer some pros and cons of higher education, which ultimately shape my opinion as well as yours. 

Pros of Higher Education:

  • Increased Job Opportunities: As time has gone on, the number of jobs that require only a high diploma has significantly decreased. In fact, "only 34%  of American jobs required a high school diploma or less in 2017", compared to the 72% of the 1970's. Many employers in the modern day, require a college degree or higher education credentials for entry-level positions. Colleges also offer internships, job shadowing, and more which give students a sense of career direction as well as experience that may provide a direct path to a job (https://college-education.procon.org/)
  • Higher Earning Potential: Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college degrees, and higher education can lead to earning more. And this is one of the many reasons that individuals choose higher education. This also means that there is typically a trend between higher education and greater financial stability. 
  • Personal Development: Higher education often encourages students to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills deeper than they would have in high school. It also provides opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of lifelong learning habits. It gives students the chance to develop their own sense of self and a voice outside of their home. 

  • Networking Opportunities: Colleges and universities provide environments where students can connect with peers, professors, alumni, and professionals in their field, which can be valuable for career path decisions and future career advancement.
  • Social and Cultural Exposure: College campuses often foster diverse communities where students can interact with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This not only promotes empathy but also an understanding of different cultures. 

Cons of Higher Education:

  • Financial Costs (The major cause of discussion): Higher education can be expensive, with tuition, fees, books, and living expenses adding up to significant financial burdens. Student loans may lead to long-term debt and financial strain for many individuals.
  • Time Commitment: Pursuing higher education requires a significant time commitment, typically spanning several years for completion of a degree program. This time investment can delay entry into the workforce of a desired career, limit opportunities for gaining practical work experience, and limit the job options to afford college.

  • Uncertain Return on Investment: Another very big question when it comes to the cost of higher education is, "Will the return be worth the cost of higher education?". While it often leads to increased earning potential, there is no guarantee that the investment will pay off for every individual and their chosen career. 
  • Alternative Paths: In some cases, individuals may find more success and fulfillment in careers that do not require a traditional college degree. Vocational training, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship offer alternative paths to professional success that may be more suitable for certain individuals and lead specific individuals to be more successful than if they chose a path that was higher education based.

So: Is Higher Education Worth the Price?

Here's what I think: 

Yes, I believe that higher education is worth the price!

Acknowledging the soaring costs of higher education is imperative. "But the problem of costs goes beyond individual institutions. Government at all levels has come nowhere close to supporting colleges in ways that allow them to provide the kind of access and affordability that's needed" (Ungar 195). Thus, addressing the financial burden isn't solely the responsibility of colleges; governments must also play their part. While I don't condone tuition fees exceeding $60,000 per year, I firmly believe that there exists a reasonably priced college for everyone. In fact, many community colleges offer education comparable to, if not surpassing, that of prestigious institutions, and at a significantly lower cost. "College should be a cultural journey, an intellectual expedition, a voyage confronting new ideas and information" (Hacker and Dreifus 188). Despite certain colleges losing sight of this purpose and becoming financially inaccessible, I remain optimistic that there exists a suitable college for every individual, one that fosters genuine education and personal growth. Colleges provide "the freedom of a real education, of learning how to be well-adjusted" (Wallace 207). But ultimately, it is a personal journey to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and determine the best path forward. Higher education not only enhances career prospects and financial stability but also promotes global awareness, cultural understanding, self-discovery, self-confidence, and a voice. Which, in my opinion, far outweigh the cons. Therefore, I strongly believe that the benefits of higher education justify its cost.

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