Is college worth it? Take a look at a new answer
Preview:
The return-on-investment framing dominating public debates about college has flattened a complex question into a narrow economic calculation that misses much of what undergraduate education actually provides. Liberal arts colleges in particular develop adaptive, reflective graduates capable of navigating ambiguity and contributing to civic life in ways that credential programs and online alternatives cannot replicate. A more honest public conversation about college's worth requires moving beyond salary data and toward a fuller accounting of what education does for a person over a lifetime.
Originally published: August 9, 2026
Author: Douglas A. Hicks
Position: President
Institution: Davidson College
Published by: Fortune