To the Point
Why Is College So Expensive?
College graduates have racked up more than a trillion dollars in student loan debt, raising questions about tuition, online learning and the "knowledge economy."
College students and graduates have racked up more than a trillion dollars in student loan debt, as the cost of a higher education is rising fast. Why are colleges and universities increasing tuition instead of cutting expenses? Is online learning on the verge of changing the way Americans prepare themselves for employment in the so-called "knowledge economy?" Also, the G8 Summit convenes at Camp David. On Reporter's Notebook, this weekend, six playoff games will be played in both hockey and basketball — in one single arena. Crews will have 80 hours to change a wood floor into an ice rink and back again. It all happens at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Banner image: Students walk across the campus of the University of California. Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesThe G8 Summit Convenes at Camp David
President Obama today welcomed the new French President, François Hollande, to the White House for the first time. They're on their way to Camp David for the G8 Summit of the world's economic leaders. Michael Hirsh is chief correspondent for the National Journal .
Read the story8 minRising Cost and the Future of Higher Education
Tuition and other expenses have gone up so much there's now a consensus that higher education costs too much, at the same time it's more necessary than ever. Two-thirds of students are taking out loans, and collectively owe a trillion dollars — more than the total of credit card debt.
Read the story37 minHectic Weekend at Staples Center
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says "there's been no better time" for LA sports fans in the history of Los Angeles. Three teams are in championship playoffs in different sports — all in the same arena — and just up the road at their stadium the Dodgers are leading their baseball division.
Read the story7 min