Measuring the Value of Education

This career exploration and readiness program’s formula for learner success combines social capital, self-discovery to launch career pathways for first-gen grads

Over the past 15 years, the number of student loan recipients has increased by 51 percent and the debt associated with those loans has more than doubled. More Americans are borrowing more money to go to college

We asked alumni nationwide who had borrowed money to go to school if their loans were worth it.

We asked alumni nationwide who had borrowed money to go to school if their loans were worth it.

When the COVID-19 pandemic upended our economy, sending millions of Americans to the unemployment lines, it was natural to anticipate an influx of displaced workers as newly enrolled students. That is the historical pattern: when economic downturns threaten the stability of workers’ lives, they turn to higher education’s promise of advancing careers and increasing wages.

This week, the National Student Clearinghouse reported a 7.5 percent decline in enrollment in community colleges. This surprised many in higher education, as times of economic downturn typically drive enrollment increases in community colleges as people have more time to engage in education and are more motivated to prepare for more stable careers in a down economy. This doesn’t appear to be the case with the economic downturn caused by Covid-19 — at least, not yet.

Faced with job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are turning to outplacement services provided by their former employers for help in their next job search. But with the economy faltering and whole categories of jobs going away, job seekers are struggling, and the resume writing, interview prep, and networking assistance that may have provided a boost in the past just aren’t enough now.

Last week, Brandon Busteed highlighted the growth of “Employer U”—employers partnering with universities to build in-house learning programs. State Farm, United Airlines, and even the Dallas Cowboys are now joining the ranks of Google, Walmart, IBM, and many others who have created their own "universities" to attract and develop their talent.

States such as Florida are considering proposals to fully fund associate degree and certificate programs at community colleges. Their hearts are in the right place, and their efforts to make post-high school paths to good jobs affordable for everyone should be applauded.