The value of an education: Spiraling college costs and student debt spark doubts over payoffs

Published: Sunday, May 20 2012 8:37 a.m. MDT

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Summary

A popular belief is that a bachelor's degree is worth a million dollars, a number originally offered in a 2002 U.S. Census Bureau report and then picked up and widely touted by the College Board. The idea is that over a lifetime, a college degree increases a worker's earnings by roughly that figure, compared to those who do not earn a degree. But that belief may be rife with flaws

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dgander2

Richfield, UT

The main problem is with the ridiculous rise in the cost of tuition. I'm finishing a clinical doctorate and am loaded with student debt. It could be much less if the university I attended didn't spend like the federal government!!! Someday More..

9:48 p.m. May 20, 2012
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A Scientist

Provo, UT

The "payoff" of higher education is in being an educated person.

What kind of uneducated presumption is it to think the ultimate and only purpose and value of higher education is in getting you a fatter paycheck?

12:30 p.m. May 20, 2012
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Teaching Moment

Ogden, UT

Debt = Bondage

Just say no to debt!

It is OK to "work" while you get an education.

One day you can be your own bank.

3:28 p.m. May 20, 2012
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Eric Schulzke

Eric Schulzke writes on national politics and policy for the Deseret News and directs The Apollo 13 Project, a prisoner reentry awareness initiative at Utah Valley University. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science at more ..

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