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ERIC Number: ED617014
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Sep
Pages: 12
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Is College Worth the Time and Money? It Depends on Whom You Ask
Finley, Ashley; Aborn, Mariette; Ruddy, Sean; Miller, Kevin
Association of American Colleges and Universities
As students face rising tuition costs, increasing debt burdens, and uncertain employment prospects, a central question arises: Is college worth it? Although empirical research consistently finds that a college education is a profitable investment, media stories continue to cast doubt on the value of the degree. Findings from two recent studies provide compelling insights into not just how different groups of Americans view college education as a whole, but also the degree to which there is agreement on the aspects of a college education that matter for future success--namely, career success. Is college worth the time and money? Are students learning what matters most for workforce preparation? Is there consensus on the virtues of being "well-rounded," or is it time to emphasize specific job skills? And at a time of renewed focus on civic engagement, what role should higher education play in supporting communities and democracy? To address these questions, the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and the Bipartisan Policy Center partnered with Morning Consult to conduct a survey of 2,200 American adults. The survey was administered March 3-5, 2021. The findings are presented in this report, alongside results from AAC&U's recent survey of employers. Together these surveys highlight the nuances of public opinion on higher education--what is most highly valued about it and by whom, as well as its relevance to workforce success. [This report was prepared with the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC).]
Association of American Colleges and Universities. 1818 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Tel: 800-297-3775; Tel: 202-387-3760; Fax: 202-265-9532; e-mail: pub_desk@aacu.org; Web site: http://www.aacu.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Authoring Institution: Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A