Policy Brief: Is College a Worthwhile Investment? Examining the Benefits and Challenges

While higher education has been long and widely regarded as a crucial investment in human capital development that can lead to better job prospects and higher earnings, concerns about the cost of college and changing labor market dynamics have sparked debates about the value of a college degree. The perceived “crisis of college affordability,” as it has been called, is a significant concern for students and families across the nation. The perceived rising cost of college tuition and related expenses over recent decades may discourage potential students from pursing higher education. This “crisis of affordability” is fueled by both the increasing tuition sticker prices and lack of knowledge about financial aid that obscure the true net cost of college.