Introduction

Is a college degree still worth the investment, or should America’s graduating high school students explore other paths toward their futures? For the better part of the 20th century, “a four-year degree was seen as a ticket to a better life, associated with higher wages, better health and access to homeownership” (Forbes). While college graduates today, including 2-year, 4-year, and advanced degree holders, generally experience higher wages and lower unemployment rates, is seeking a formal degree the best option for today’s youth?

Many people say that a college degree is still worth the investment, highlighting the statistic that degree holders still earn 68% higher wages than those with high school diplomas. Similarly, the unemployment rate for degree holders is nearly half that of those without and those who hold degrees are more “recession resilient” (Forbes). However, “converging trends of a competitive labor market, ballooning university tuitions, new online learning alternatives, and fast-changing job roles” have some reevaluating the value of formal higher education programs (Harvard Business Review). As the economy continues to become more globalized and technologically-based, employers are increasingly seeking employees with real-world experience over education. Related to the issue, still others are questioning whether college is still serving its intended purpose, or if America’s universities have been distracted with social justice and perceived partisan goals.

So, is a college degree still worth the investment? This deliberation includes twelve video clips, two articles, and several educational activities to guide students through a review of the debate over whether or not a college degree is still worth the investment. After a careful review of multiple perspectives, students will determine whether a college degree is still worth the investment and be presented with several optional extensions to take an active role in the debate.

Objectives and Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe key vocabulary terms and concepts associated with the debate surrounding the current and future worth of a college degree.
  
  
• Students will be able to identify and explain aspects of the debate regarding the current and future worth of a college degree, including those arguments related to the job and labor market, costs of attendance, innovation in education, and changes to college curricula, among others.
  
  
• Students will be able to evaluate arguments related to the current and future worth of a college degree and formulate an opinion on this question.