The Value of a College Education

by Albert Karnig

Spring/Summer 2005

In light of the recent fee increases in California higher education, it’s worth our time to consider the costs, benefits, and accessibility of a degree or certificate at Cal State San Bernardino.

It’s always good to understand exactly what you’re purchasing when you pay for college. First, despite the recent fee increases, our costs are still about half the amount of student fees at most other state universities. In fact at roughly $3,200 for all university fees next year, CSUSB will rank as the lowest among our comparator universities and among the very lowest in the nation.

In addition, we have more than $120 million in resources for scholarships, grants and low-interest loans to help reduce the impact of these costs. Don’t hesitate to contact your university, community college or high school counselors as members of your family plan for college. These advisors can guide you through the application process.

More importantly, an undergraduate college degree, on average, more than doubles the lifetime earning power of its holder over that of the average high school graduate in the same community. By most estimates, over a lifetime, the college graduate makes more than $1 million more than a high school grad. So even when fees and the cost of textbooks seem steep at times, paying for higher education has great potential financial value. It’s an investment that brings a clear return, unlike so many expenditures — such as automobiles — that we buy and then see quickly depreciate in worth.

Yet the financial gain is only a small part of the advantage of a college experience. Research demonstrates that college graduates are more likely to be independent, better developed culturally, more prone to understand the world and its complexities, and more inclined to volunteer and participate in society. I believe higher education continues to be the single most powerful engine of social change, justice and progress. I’m proud that CSUSB provides opportunities for the future.

With an undergraduate median age of 22, 85 percent
full-time students, and now with 1,500 students living on campus, we offer a wonderful education for younger students. But we still have many non-traditional students and programs to help in their entry into higher education. If you or someone you know might benefit from a CSUSB education, please call our admissions office at (909) 880-5188. We’ll be delighted to provide advice.

*Source: Department of Labor and Monthly Review