Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol. 4 Issue 1

Is College
Worth It?
Kristen Taylor
In an era where higher education is
often glorified as the only pathway
to success and opportunity, a
pressing question arises for many
aspiring students: Is college worth it?
College can be an exciting time in a
person’s life. It is a period where they
can follow their passions and acquire
knowledge and skills to navigate the
challenges of adulthood. However,
deciding to pursue higher education
can be daunting. With rising tuition
costs and the uncertainty of postgraduate
job opportunities, due in part
to increasing degree requirements
and experience levels for entry-level
positions, it is natural to wonder if
college holds the same value and merit
within the community.
The question of whether college
is worth it for Black students is a
complex and multifaceted one. On
the one hand, higher education can
open doors for further professional
and educational development, lead to
higher-earning job opportunities and
contribute to personal growth. On the
other hand, it often comes with a hefty
price tag and potential debt.
In an interview Neil deGrasse Tyson,
American astrophysicist and writer,
said college isn’t about applying what
you learn but knowing how to handle
and confront problems you have never
seen before.
“You don’t go to college to learn a
subject; you go to college to learn how
to think, you go to college to learn
how to do research,” Tyson said. “Then
you come out a thinker and lifelong
learner.”
College is about more than just earning
your degree. College provides a unique
networking environment, often
offering many resources, allowing
personal growth and self-discovery.
Regardless, it is important to
acknowledge that Black students still
face the harsh reality of how systemic
racism can deter that growth.
According to a United States
Joint Economic Committee 2020
report, “College-educated Black
workers are also at a higher risk
than their White counterparts of
being underemployed—working in
occupations that do not make use of
their education and consequently pay
less.”
This disparity in employment
opportunities can make the economic
benefits of a college degree unclear for
Black students.
If college-educated Black workers are
already getting paid less than their
white counterparts, is the degree
worth the cost?
Especially when the cost of college
education has been steadily rising.
According to the Education Data
Initiative, “Postsecondary institutions
raise tuition (and fees) an average 6.8%
each year.”
These high tuition and fees often
result in a considerable amount of
student loan debt for many students,
which can hinder financial stability
even after graduation.
Not to mention, the racial disparities
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