More Americans Are Asking If College Is Really Worth It

Many Americans are questioning the value of higher education due to rising costs and concerns about job preparedness. A recent survey reveals that a majority believe the higher education system is heading in the wrong direction. Increasing numbers of college graduates struggle to find jobs in their fields, accruing significant debt with limited returns. Research indicates that a substantial percentage of bachelor's and master's degrees have a negative return on investment. Experts advocate for greater transparency about graduate incomes by program to help students make informed decisions. The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard offers some data, but it's often incomplete. Federal initiatives, like Trump's Compact and the College Transparency Act, aim to improve accountability and transparency. The declining population of traditional college-age students and the resurgence of vocational education are reshaping the higher education landscape. Market forces may compel colleges to eliminate low-enrollment programs with poor returns. Some graduates, like Sharpe, find success in fields unrelated to their degrees, highlighting the need to consider alternative career paths.