Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 The Rising Cost of Not Going to College Pew Research Center 10

2 A College Degree Remains a Good Investment but Debt Is an Issue The Domestic Policy Council and the Council of Economic Advisers 20

3 A College Degree Is Not a Smart Investment for Everyone Stephanie Owen Isabel Sawhill 26

4 A Four-Year College Degree Is Not Preparing People for Today's Jobs Robert Reich 37

5 Strengthening Our Economy Through College for All David A. Bergeron Carmel Martin 41

6 The Economy Does Not Depend on Higher Education Arthur M. Cohen Carrie B. Kisker Florence B. Brawer 50

7 There Are Economic Benefits from Obtaining a College Degree Jonathan Rothwell 56

8 The Value of a College Degree Is Diminishing Over Time Richard Vedder Christopher Denhart Jonathan Robe 60

9 National Security and Prosperity Depend on Greater College Completion Jamie Merisotis 65

10 A College Education Is a Right, Not an Investment Mario Goetz 69

11 There Should Be Alternatives to the Four-Year College Degree Diana G. Carew 73

12 College Diplomas Are Meaningless. This Is How to Fix Them Reid Hoffman 77

Organizations to Contact 89

Bibliography 94

Index 100