What is the worth of a bachelor's degree today?

Hi,
That is a fantastic question with no single answer, it is really up to the individual to figure out what they want in education and their career and also to know the requirement of their career choice as far as education and training that is necessary.
I will offer a different perspective, I started college after joining the Army Reserve while still in high school...after graduation I went to basic and job training for the Army then came home to work, go to school and serve part time in the reserves. I did not like college at first to be very honest, it was not for me. I dropped courses and struggled to work, go to school and serve on the weekends. I did love the military so I ended up going on active duty for 6 years and the military gave me college credits, enough for an Associates degree! :) I did not realize or see the value of a Bachelors degree until I was 38 years old and then I went back to school part time in the evenings while working full time.

I was able to make a good career in business and social services with just my Associates degree and experience but I wanted more so I earned my Bachelors degree and half of my Masters degree.

Bottom line...I think the answer to the question is a very personal choice...for example, if you want to be a Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant or any job that requires education then you will need a degree. If you want to be in business, work with computers or in a trade, then there are multiple ways to get your experience and ecucation...technical college, military training, apprenticeships and more.
I hope this helps...good luck! :)

Hey Joshua, a simple answer is if college education is tied to your life goals, do it. If not, don't do it. When you look at cost, you look at the earnings at the same time so that you can calculate the ROI (return of investment). College education gives you some skills, academic knowledge, network with classmate, professors, alumni, close friendship at school, etc which could be highly valued by many people. However, if college education is just for someone to get a job that makes a lot of money, not necessarily. Just go get a sales job or be a world famous chef.

To me personally, education is a straight-forward path for me to have enough time reading well-written literature, experiencing systematic training in math, getting to touch different subjects like science/arts/languages early on. It gives you access to rich resources and people who are devoted in sharing knowledge. Someone might be able to get the access without going to school but it will be very limited. More importantly, as a person who enjoys learning, education is the best path for me to meet with friends (students, teachers, random people on campus) who share the same interest or values. Education trained me about discipline, perseverance and sharing. Those are the values I see beyond textbooks and homework.

Hope it helps

Hi!

You asked a very important question. Here is some information that might be helpful.
http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/C56539B2/What-is-the-Value-of-a-Bachelors-Degree/
http://time.com/money/4061150/college-degree-worth-it/

Here are some tips on controlling college costs. Too many people spend too much money on college and thus unnecessarily amass a huge debt.
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/paying-for-school/ways-to-pay/reduce-college-costs.shtml
http://www.moneycrashers.com/ways-reduce-cost-college-education/

Best of luck! Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!