Higher education in the United States is at a critical juncture. The ballooning cost of a four-year degree, record student loan debt and the income disparity among various disciplines and those who pursue them are all unsustainable and a potential drag on the nation’s global competitiveness as well as a wake-up call for educational institutions.

The symptoms of this problem are starting to show up in several areas, not the least of which is current enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs. Four-year degree student enrollment has declined since the arrival of COVID-19, but precursing underlying issues may have caused a shift in Americans’ minds that could lead to permanent declines. 

For many reasons, parents, students and educators must now consider if a four-year degree is worth the money or the effort.

Until recently, the assumption — backed up by historical data — was that a college education substantially improved income and quality of life when compared to that of high school graduates or those with less overall education.

That may no longer be the case. While there are other reasons to consider a four-year college experience — alumni networking, learning in community, social skill building and more — the financial return on investment (ROI) may not be as compelling in the current environment.

5 Trends Threatening the Value of a College Education:

1. Explosion in Online Learning Opportunities
2. Monetization of Social Media and the Rise of Internet Influencers
3. Monetization of in-App Technology Creation
4. Vocational Tuition Costs Are Temptingly Inexpensive
5. Employers Waiving the Four-year Education Requirement

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