The debate regarding the value of a college degree has resurfaced in the news recently. With tuition continuing to increase at universities and colleges across the country, many people have, as NBC News political reporter Ben Kamisar described, "grown sour on one of the longtime key ingredients of the American dream." Kamisar cited an NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters in which 33% said they believe college is "worth the cost" because a degree provides more opportunities for better-paying jobs. Sixty-three percent stated that they felt a college degree "was not worth the cost" due to accrued debt and many graduates lacking "specific job skills." A September Gallup poll with a sample size of just over 1,000 respondents yielded similar results, with 35% stating that a college education is "very important." This showed a steep decline from 51% who held college degrees in high esteem in a 2019 questionnaire. The average annual cost of college in the U.S. is $38,270, according to the Education Data Initiative. This includes books and housing expenses. Students who attend a four-year public school in their home state pay roughly $27,146 per academic year. Here in Ohio, in-state students attending Ohio State's Columbus campus are paying $15,252, factoring in food and housing. Students attending the Lima regional campus, where I teach, pay approximately $9,772 annually. Since OSU Lima is a commuter campus, students save money by staying close to home and avoiding additional fees. However, college remains very expensive for many who wish to attend, and last fall Ohio State launched its Regional Campus Commitment, which provides free tuition for eligible low- to middle-income students. This program will make college accessible for many students who may have been undecided about enrolling or priced out of pursuing higher education.

For the past several years, the debate over the value of a college degree has been an essay topic in the Gen Z and Education section of my English composition courses. Students who wrote about this topic presented some interesting viewpoints in their papers, with many suggesting that, although student loan debt is a serious concern when considering tuition, college remains a solid investment because of the potential to earn more over their lifetimes. Some, while content with their decision to pursue their degrees, mentioned other options as more feasible and attractive to their peers, such as earning an associate's degree at a community college and entering the workforce, or attending a vocational school to learn a trade. My students this semester shared similar views: Some saw college as "practical" for their goals, while others acknowledged that tuition costs push some peers in other directions. I explained that I really wanted them to think about their motivation for being in school, given the significant financial investment most of them have made. I also shared that college was strongly encouraged for my generation because many of our parents saw it as the golden ticket to achieving the American dream. I also think my peers and I had more time in college to consider what we wanted to do with our lives. Things seemed to move a little more slowly back in the '90s, especially since we did not have the ever-changing technological advances like generative AI that are shaking up both university structures and the workplace.

As I've thought about the college degree debate on a more personal level, I recall a Facebook group discussion a few years ago among some of my female college classmates and friends. The question posed was, knowing what we know now, what would we tell our freshman 18-year-old selves? My response was that I would have prayed more in asking God for direction in my life and career. Now, God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, blessed me to graduate from college and become a professor and opinion writer, but I did not always place my plans before Him. As I am much older, I want God's blessings on my plans for success, so I must lay them before the Lord to make my path and purpose clear.

I believe that students who choose to attend college want a meaningful purpose in their lives. This semester, one of my English students expressed his desire to use his talents and gifts to glorify God, which was very inspiring to me. I pray that my students find their God-given passion as they work toward their degrees, striving to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @JjSmojc. To find out more about Jessica Johnson and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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