What’s the Value of a Major?

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports on a Texas initiative that allows students to compare the earning potential of various majors. The Census Bureau partnered with the University of Texas (and will soon partner with Colorado) to provide the tool, which has the potential to help students decide whether their student loan load is worth it, and whether it’s more lucrative to major in education or biology.

Why Worry When You Can Act?

Forbes on a Princeton Review study that found – unsurprisingly – that parents and students worry most about college debt. Shockingly, only 10 percent of respondents said they would choose the most affordable college – potentially setting students up for a significant debt burden. From our perspective, it doesn’t make sense to worry about something – like student debt – over which you can actually have significant control.

Tuition by the Numbers

U.S. News & World Report highlights the average cost of tuition and fees for 2017-2018. In-state residents were charged an average of $9,528 at public universities, while out-of-state residents were charged $21,632. The average price tag at private colleges was $34,699. We wonder how much was paid out of pocket, how much was paid with loans, and how much was waived thanks to grants and scholarships.

College Athletics: Winners and Losers

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, colleges are slashing some sports and boosting others. The Chronicle’s research found that colleges slashed spending on women’s softball, men’s wrestling, and men’s and women’s tennis and swimming and diving (though dedicated swimming teams are on the upswing). Lacrosse and beach volleyball, however, are on the upswing, as are women’s bowling, soccer, and golf.

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