Cautionary Notes on Accepted Beliefs Regarding Higher Education
In the face of intense and divisive Cautionary Notes discussions in today’s public discourse, it is still possible to find common ground and consider conflicting ideas simultaneously. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once suggested, this ability is indicative of a first-rate intelligence.
Cautionary Notes
Education is unnecessary for securing good jobs.
Americans are turning away from higher education.
As a mental exercise, let’s entertain the possibility that these ideas are accurate, as commonly held beliefs often contain elements of truth. Now, picture a gathering of affluent individuals, particularly business executives, or any well-off group. Consider: What aspirations do they harbor for their offspring?
The answer lies in the fact that wealthier families are more inclined to send their children to college, recognizing the lifelong advantages associated with higher education. These families reinforce early achievements, set higher academic expectations, and involve their children in activities preparing them for advanced education.
Their choice stems from a profound understanding that it works. The benefits of higher education, encompassing not just four-year degrees but all forms of quality education and training beyond high school, are extensively documented. Studies indicate that, on average, a bachelor’s degree adds $2.8 million to a person’s lifetime earnings, with graduates enjoying longer, healthier lives.
While acknowledging the existing issues in higher education, it is still generally preferable to possess a college-level credential than to navigate today’s intricate world with only a high school diploma.
Amidst discussions, particularly during holiday gatherings, where the aforementioned truisms may be cited, it’s crucial to consider a few informative facts:
Recent reductions in college costs are encouraging, with the cost of attendance and average net price falling by about 10 percent in the last three years after adjusting for inflation.
Despite this positive trend, long-term questions about affordability persist, given four decades of nearly tripling the average price, adjusted for inflation.
Public support for investment in education, particularly to maintain affordability for average Americans, remains strong, with nearly 70 percent endorsing tax dollars going to public four-year universities.
The increasing demand for various credentials is evident:
Full-time college isn’t the sole solution; short-term, skills-based credentials are essential, especially for those unable to forgo work, such as older, family-supporting students.
The value of postsecondary credentials is highlighted by the fact that high pay is often associated with them, leading to cognitive-demanding jobs and increased earnings.
Furthermore, signs indicate stabilization in enrollment:
After more than a decade of decline, undergraduate college enrollment increased by 2.1 percent overall and 4.4 percent at community colleges this fall.
A recent survey suggests that nearly three-fourths of adults consider a college degree as important or more important than it was 20 years ago.
Acknowledging the challenges, it’s clear that progress doesn’t demand perfection. Higher education, despite its imperfections, remains a crucial force driving the economy, strengthening democracy, and enhancing social and cultural well-being.
