The economy of higher education
Even when the recession is finally over, the US may have problems competing with the rest of the world. That’s because of a growing education gap. Family incomes aren’t keeping up with rising cost of higher education.
The unemployment rate for college and university graduates is half what it is for the workforce as a whole. But rising costs are putting college and university degrees out of reach for most young Americans. In the past 25 years, tuition and fees have gone up 439% while median income has risen by 147%, and student loans are saddling graduates with more and more debt. For the first time in American history, older adults have more education than younger ones, while other countries are educating their children faster. That’s ominous news for a country that attained world leadership because of higher education.
Guests:
– Will Doyle: Assistant Professor of Higher Education, Vanderbilt University
– Arthur Rothkopf: Senior Vice-President, US Chamber of Commerce
– Barmak Nassirian: Associate Executive Director, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
– Kimberly Johnston: Senior Associate Director of Admissions, University of Maine
Hosted by award-winning journalist Warren Olney, "To the Point" presents informative and thought-provoking discussion of major news stories — front-page issues that attract a savvy and serious news audience.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!