Many Americans believe the value of a college degree has declined, especially when it comes to the value it offers for its price tag.
The latest survey by Rasmussen reveals how most Americans really feel about college degrees.
The survey found that 65% of American adults say, in terms of finding a job in today’s economy, a college degree is at least “somewhat important,” including 26% who believe it’s “very important.”
29% of Americans do not think a college degree is important and 6% say it’s “not at all” important.
The average cost of a college degree in the United States is $35,551 per student per year. This includes books, supplies, and daily living expenses.
The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, with an annual growth rate of 6.8%.
The average in-state student attending a public 4-year institution spends $25,707 for one academic year.
The average cost of in-state tuition alone is $9,377; out-of-state tuition averages $27,091.
The average cost of attendance for a student living on campus at a public 4-year in-state institution is $25,707 per year or $102,828 over 4 years.
Out-of-state students pay an average of $43,421 per year or $173,684 over 4 years.
Private, nonprofit university students pay $54,501 per year or $218,004 over 4 years.
While 4 years is the traditional duration for earning a bachelor’s degree, only 38.9% of bachelor’s degree-seeking students graduate within that time.
Many universities force students to take useless pre-requisite courses that have nothing to do with their major.
All for profits… There truly is no use or reason for taking anthropology courses as a marketing major… Colleges will claim it’s for a “well-rounded” degree or some other nonsense…. and unfortunately, students will pay for it simply because they have no other choice.
Most Expensive 4-Year Private Nonprofit Universities
The base tuition is much lower when you don’t include room and board… which most students have to pay for. It’s more like $85,000 once you add room and board, cost of living, and books. 
Colombia University – Harlem, NY
Colombia University cost of attendance.
Pepperdine University – Malibu, CA
Tulane University – New Orleans, LA
The average student borrower spends roughly 20 years paying off their loans.
Those who have loans will pay an average of $2,186 in interest each year.
At 4-year institutions, the cost of room and board ranges from $8,556 to $12,870.
College costs neglect to include the price of SAT prep courses, which can cost $5,000 or more.
Additional expenses at 4-year institutions range from $2,774 to $5,294. Students living on campus at a public 4-year institution pay an average of $3,543 in additional annual expenses.
Students pay an average of $1,230 annually on books and supplies at public 4-year institutions. Books and supplies at private, non-profit institutions average $1,228. At private, for-profit institutions, the average cost is $1,065.
Very Scary Statistics
60% of college students have experienced base needs insecurity, meaning they are at risk of homelessness, hunger, or reduced access to basic needs.
In the fall of 2020, 29% of students at 4-year colleges experienced food insecurity within the previous 30 days.
Among students at 2-year colleges, 39% reported experiencing food insecurity within the last 30 days.
Even worse, 48% of college students experience housing insecurity in one year.
An astounding 14% of college students report experiencing homelessness in a year.
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