To the Point
Do College Costs Outweigh the Benefits?
College education is quite costly, and many graduates are underemployed or unemployed. What are the benefits of traditional higher education in a changing economy?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenThe cost of a college education is creating mountains of debt, and many graduates are underemployed or out of work altogether. What are the benefits of traditional higher education in a changing economy? Also, the unemployment rate drops to 7.8 percent, the lowest since President Obama took office, and a turbulent week and grounded flights for American Airlines.
Banner image: Overview of the University of California, Berkeley campus from the Berkeley Lab, from up the hills and south-westward. California, USA.. Photo: Introvert/wikimedia
In this episode
3 storiesUnemployment Rate Drops to Lowest Since Obama Took Office
After hovering above 8 percent for most of the Obama Administration, unemployment dropped last month to 7.8 percent. While the President touted the September figures, Mitt Romney attributed the drop to people dropping out of the workforce. Neil Irwin reports on economics for the Washington Post .
Read the story8 minIs Higher Education Worth What It Costs?
The cost of college is rising at two or three times the rate of inflation and student loans are creating decades of debt. When the high-paying jobs promised graduates often aren't there, how long can this keep going on?
Read the story36 minTurbulent Week and Grounded Flights for American Airlines
American Airlines is in bankruptcy , and a contract dispute with pilots has disrupted its operations. Now safety issues involving passenger seats in 48 of its more than 100 airplanes have led to flight cancelations. Andy Pasztor covers aviation and the airline industry for the Wall Street Journal .
Read the story7 min