Embedded Files
Yes, a college degree enables a middle class lifestyle.
Yes, a college degree enables a middle class lifestyle.
People with a college degree have increased quality and availability of job opportunities, which results in a lower unemployment rate.
"Not only are there more jobs available to degree holders than high school graduates, but the existing jobs are also more accessible" (Northeastern)
Despite the increasing costs of attending college, earnings after school generally outweigh these financial burdens
"Over four decades, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn (on average) 56% more than those without one." (NY Fed)
There is value in a college education beyond income and employment. It broadens our horizons through social connections, provides a new environment, and allows for unique experiences not attained as a part of the workforce.
"Earning a degree is empowering; it boosts confidence and provides a sense of achievement. The pursuit of higher education also equips you to master complex challenges and overcome adversity" (Northeastern)
No, a college degree does not enable a middle class lifestyle.
No, a college degree does not enable a middle class lifestyle.
Upwards mobility is more difficult regardless of whether you have a college degree.
“High school achievement sets the stage for college attainment—but family class plays an even greater role. The highest-SES students with bottom-half math scores are more likely to complete a college degree than the lowest-SES students with top-half math scores” (Washington Post)
Student loan debt can hinder any financial progress
With many students in debt from college, being able to jumpstart a middle-class lifestyle is more difficult for students with more loans.
“During the past decade, the amount of outstanding debt on federal student loans jumped from more than $500 billion to over $1.3 trillion” (Pewtrusts)
Depending on one’s major, a college degree can actually provide negative returns
“For example, among social science majors, the lifetime return to graduate school is around $114,000 relative to a bachelor's degree only in that field. Surprisingly, for liberal arts, humanities, arts, and architecture majors, the lifetime financial return to graduate education compared to a bachelor's degree in the same major is negative (i.e., $1,878,000 for a bachelor's degree vs. $1,821,000 for a graduate degree).” (NCBI)
Trade schools often offer debt-free education
Many college graduates work in jobs that don’t require college degrees
As many as 17 million college graduates work jobs that do not require a college education; 1 in 3 graduates worked a position that only required a high school diploma (Department of Labor).
Page updated
Report abuse