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Is Higher Education Worth the Price?

Is Higher Education Worth the Price?

The question of whether college is worth the price is something a lot of people, including me, think about. Tuition keeps getting higher, and many students graduate with debt that takes years to pay off. Some people argue it is not worth it anymore, while others say a college degree is still the best way to get ahead. In the essay Are Colleges Worth the Price of Admission? Graff, Birkenstein, and Durst (2021) argue that college can be worth it, but only if schools focus on real teaching instead of just chasing rankings and money. When I connect their ideas with The New Liberal Arts (2021) and David Foster Wallace’s (2021) commencement speech This Is Water, I see that college is worth the price, but not for the reasons people usually think. It is not just about a job. It is also about learning how to think, communicate, and live a more aware life.

 

Graff, Birkenstein, and Durst (2021) point out that too many colleges put effort into looking good on the outside instead of focusing on students. Schools brag about their sports teams, fancy buildings, or research reputation, but those things do not automatically give students a better education. What really matters is whether students leave with stronger writing, reading, and critical thinking skills. In other words, a degree alone does not prove much if the student did not actually grow. I agree with their point, because if students are paying thousands of dollars, they should get more than just a piece of paper.

This idea connects with The New Liberal Arts (2021). That essay defends the value of studying subjects like history, literature, and philosophy. Some people argue those fields are not practical, but the essay shows they actually prepare students for today’s unpredictable world. Employers want people who can solve problems, communicate, and adapt. Liberal arts might not train you for one exact job, but they give you the skills to handle many different careers. I think this is true, because almost every job today keeps changing with technology and the economy. If college just trained you for one very specific role, you might end up stuck later. A broad education has long-term value that is not always obvious right away.


David Foster Wallace’s (2021) speech This Is Water takes the idea even further. He says education’s real purpose is not only about jobs or money, but about awareness. College should teach you how to think in a deeper way and how to notice the world beyond yourself. Wallace warns that if you do not learn how to control your thinking, you will fall into a boring, self-centered routine without even realizing it. I really like his point, because it shows that education is more about how you live your life than just how much you earn. Money matters but being thoughtful and aware matters too.


When I put these three texts together, the answer becomes clearer. College can be worth the price if you use it for more than just job training. Graff, Birkenstein, and Durst (2021) say schools need to improve teaching. The New Liberal Arts (2021) explains why broad learning makes people more adaptable. Wallace (2021) reminds us that education helps us see and think differently. If students and colleges take these lessons seriously, then the high cost makes sense. But if college is just about status or a diploma, then I do not think it is worth the debt.



For me, I believe higher education is still worth it, but only if you go in with the right mindset. Students should not feel forced to go to college just because everyone else does, but if they want to grow as thinkers and people, then it is a good investment. Schools also need to take responsibility for making the education better and not just raising prices. At the end of the day, the value of college depends on what you and the institution put into it. The price is high, but the payoff can be even higher if you focus on what really matters.

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