Modern discourse on college degrees has become very complicated in the past decade. A few changes have become undeniable. College is more expensive than it has ever been. College is becoming increasingly less popular. And college degrees worth is becoming inflated as more graduates emerge. 

Where the discourse becomes complicated is in the nuance beyond these few points. For instance, when looking at why college is less popular, it’s important to look at different groups. Low income learners are one group that has seen a massive decline in enrollment rates. The same applies to most demographic groups such as black and asian Americans as well.

However this isn’t to say that all enrollment rates are decreasing, as hispanic enrollment has actually gone up since 2010. So when trying to figure out the impact of a college degree, an important consideration is who’s receiving the degree. Overall, college graduates will on average see a range of positive benefits. Those with a baccalaureate degree are more financially secure, use less social services, and make more than high school graduates.

In terms of social mobility, a college degree is one of the most reliable paths. At the same time, this isn’t to say that it’s the only path. Increasingly people are becoming aware of the value of trades, certificates, and other paths. The biggest issue with a college education today is having the resources to pay for it. This is why states like Georgia are dedicated to increasing their postsecondary education rate through programs and initiatives. If people can afford to make it to and through college, everyone in the state is better off for it.

So what’s the impact of a college degree today? Most of the time, it’s an undeniably positive move towards better income and financial security. Simultaneously, there are real reasons that people struggle to obtain or make use of a degree. The type of degree, finances, and personal investment are just a few of them. So moving forward the hope is that these can be alleviated not by individuals, but the colleges and government themselves.

Kentucky Student Success Story in the Making
Source: Kentucky Student Success Collaborative