Payscale’s Post

Many of you have seen this article. An interesting stat buried in it is: "More than two-thirds, or 67%, of respondents say college is headed in the “wrong direction,” compared with just 31% who feel it’s going in the right direction." There is a lot to unpack here (a blog coming soon), but more than simply the increasing cost of higher education, stats about job placement rate and average starting salary (and how that compares) are just two other factors that need discussion. What is your reaction to this article? https://lnkd.in/ey7eUmek

If we could pick one word to sum up the "value of higher education conversation" in 2023 it would probably be: confusing. Across the year, these Friday posts have shared reports, articles, and studies showing both sides of the ROI conversation. The data says the degree pays off. But the public perception of that fact is still at historic lows. For our final #WhatWereReading of 2023, we're reflecting on this piece from The Atlantic. Could it be as simple as looking at the short-term vs. long-term benefits? Either way, the idea that nothing is "free and easy" for a college graduate is certainly true. Nothing is really "free and easy" in life, is it? But improving the value of the college degree may lie in the idea that #highered can actively prepare students for that fact better than other alternatives may be able to. https://hubs.ly/Q02dDhfv0

The education and employment history of 3.1 million college graduates were analyzed to rank schools and majors based on potential future salaries, aiming to help students research schools, majors, and potential salaries before enrolling. According to the study, associate degrees in many STEM majors can lead to six-figure incomes.

🎓📉 A recent survey has unveiled a startling trend among US college graduates: nearly half find themselves in jobs that typically require only a high school diploma. Post-secondary education encompasses a diverse array of formats, offering a broad spectrum of opportunities and pathways. However, it's crucial to approach the selection of colleges and universities with discernment, as some institutions have been criticized for prioritizing ideological indoctrination over practical education. This trend, often associated with a leftist or Marxist bias, underscores the importance of guiding young adults towards fields of study that not only align with their interests but also promise robust career prospects. The goal is to ensure that students emerge not only well-educated but also well-prepared for the workforce, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive debt, underemployment, and an education that does not align with the realities of the job market. Making informed decisions about one's educational journey is more critical than ever in securing a future that is both intellectually fulfilling and financially stable.  #Education #JobMarket #CollegeGraduates #CareerPath 🚀💼 https://lnkd.in/gRrfAhW4

Only 2 Ivy League schools land grads a six-figure salary 10 years out—and almost half of MBAs are a waste of money, data suggests. According to the research, only two of the eight Ivy League schools landed students with jobs paying more than $100,000 a whole decade after studying there: the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University. Nearly half of master’s degree programs leave students financially worse off Of course, not everyone gets financial aid to help with the eye-wateringly high costs associated with going to college. In reality, the Ivy League is known for enrolling students from wealthy families who are likely to secure lucrative careers no matter where they go to college. https://lnkd.in/enDY2Kdj

Are you worried about the value of a college degree? This article from The Atlantic tracked down unemployed college grads who had been featured in dramatic exposés to see where they are now. The results may surprise you! Stay ahead of the game and read the full story. #HigherEducation #CareerAdvice

I’ve been in college for quite a bit I’ll admit (life situations throughout the years). Despite knowing the decreasing need for a college degree over the years but not wanting to discourage others who are exactly on track into college, I had to stop relying on my degree as plan A. 😅 BUT that doesn’t mean I would ever want to stop being a journalist. It’s more like…as I said in a previous post a couple of days ago. I’ve been navigating other ways to make #income on the side that would attribute to things I can create out of the skills I already have, though that’s something to touch base on later when I make videos. However, I know everyone has different interests, so it's best to keep topics on journalism. But what I'm trying to say is I’m redefining what this future career means to me and how it'll redefine my #INTEGRITY in the process… I’m sure we know what the word integrity means, but sometimes it could go through one ear and out the other, lol. Integrity means to know what it means to be honest to yourself and the morals/principles you stand for. Pretty much…being true to yourself. Like — take for #example, would I want to go through a journalism degree with the mindset of, “I’m not sure what I want out of this buuuut I’m already halfway through and I just want to finish #school, and hopefully get paid enough to support myself.” — NO! And unfortunately…I’ve heard another student say this before. 😅 This hurts your integrity. Why settle for what you believe is less than what you want (or even if you don’t know what you want), especially since financial stability is something people NEED more than before nowadays? You just have to reflect and be prepared for what’s to come for this country. That’s why I mention all of this. Many journalism beats can now be replaced by other platforms because they’re deemed recreational enough to do by social media influencers who didn’t go or finish college. However, there are still #critical journalism focuses where providing proof that you’re a journalist would confirm your #legitimacy to gain access to reports. But that’s only if you want to pursue those routes (aka- I want to)! The point I’m trying to make is — journalism degrees would only now really suit those who crave the need for restoring #modesty and humbleness in this world again with a very open mind. When you have this type of mindset, you find #solutions for yourself the same way that you do for other people — because you’re curious and introspective enough! In other words, if you may be questioning whether to pursue a journalism degree, please reflect on what this career will mean for your #integrity and how you will manage your #assets and #liabilities in the long run, after graduation (are you truly doing yourself a favor --SORRY, let me correct myself--emotionally FULLFILLING favor?) I would never downgrade journalism, but it’s difficult to see those wandering without a plan and a questioning passion (oh --- and #opinion! 😂)

Love this from The Chronicle of Higher Education this morning. The benefits of a college degree are much more than the skills learned for future employment. "Going to college is an investment decision. It comes with benefits and costs. They do not need to be monetary, but it can be easier to think about it that way. Just like any investment decision, there are risks involved. College is worth it if the benefits are typically greater than the costs and the investment is not associated with extensive risk. If so, it may not be right for everyone, but in general it should be considered “worth it.” The benefits of college tend to be large. Evidence clearly documents that the wages of college-educated workers are considerably higher than that of workers with only a high-school diploma."

Is a college degree worth the cost? It's a question that has been debated for years. Some argue that the cost of a college education isn't worth it. However, recent data shows that there are several advantages to getting that degree, depending on which state you live in. According to the data in this article, there are clear advantages to having a college degree in certain states. While there are several factors that can widen or lessen the gap, it's important to look at the data before making a decision. So, what do you think? Is a college degree worth the cost in current times? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The decline in the rate of college enrollment is not a mystery. The shift is in favor of employers engaging in skills-based training. What if colleges have lost the long game of the ROI of the credentials? Is the ROI unclear or is the consequence of not exploring options too high? The cost is simply outweighing the results—too many degrees for fields with low job availability. Indeed higher Ed is being affected by external factors like funding. https://lnkd.in/gWaweWYj