Financial case for college remains strong, but universities need to add creative thinking to their curriculum

The cost of college is on the rise – but college grads still earn more than those without a degree.

By: Caroline Levander, Rice University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 12, 2026

Words: 956

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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By Caroline Levander, Rice University

A college degree was once seen as the golden ticket to landing a well-paying job. But many people are increasingly questioning the value of a four-year degree amid the rising cost of college.

Almost two-thirds of registered voters said in an October 2025 NBC News poll that a four-year college degree isn’t worth the cost – marking an increase from 40% of registered voters who said that college wasn’t …

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