Is college really worth the cost?
Sixty-two percent of college graduates believe so, despite rising tuition costs across the nation, according to a new survey. In addition to the benefits of a degree in the job market, college graduates emphasize the life skills achieved in college through learning to balance both academic and extracurricular activities.
They cite the unique opportunities such as study abroad programs, access to internships, networking abilities, and lifelong friends as further proof of the value of a college education.
They note, however, that it is possible to waste a college education if you are not committed to applying yourself to your studies and preparation for a future career.
The survey made no distinctions between private and public universities, though it seems that rising tuition prices at private schools are making public universities more attractive options.
"For those of us who are unsure of our future plans, it seems a little excessive to pay so much for a liberal arts education that could be received at a public university," said Jennifer Brown, LSOE '08.
With many students planning on post-graduate study, there is more of a need to conserve money for undergraduate education.
"An undergraduate degree is no longer enough for employers," said Julia Nigrelli, A&S '08, who is in the pre-med program. "The pressure is on to attend graduate school, and that means even more money that I will have to pay. I guess we'll see if I get a job after all of this."
Nigrelli said that given the increasing expense for college, she strongly considered attending a public university for her undergraduate degree to save money for medical school.
The issue is gaining the attention of Congress. Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) has sponsored The College Affordability and Accountability Act in response to concerns over education prices. The bill would attempt to stabilize tuition costs by requiring colleges to report their cost control strategies and rewarding those that kept their prices low.
More students than ever are now attending college, suggesting that concerns over cost issues will continue to grow.
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