The Big Question Families Are Asking
For decades, the answer was simple. College meant a better life: more job opportunities, higher pay, and the kind of stability many families dreamed of. It was a pathway to upward mobility and a safeguard against poverty. But in 2025, things look different. Tuition prices have climbed dramatically. Student loan debt has hit $1.8 trillion. And confidence in higher education has dropped. More families are left wondering, honestly, maybe for the first time, is college still worth it?
We’re not just talking about financial anxiety. We’re talking about reevaluating one of the most long-standing assumptions in American life. What once seemed like a sure bet now feels uncertain. High school students are second-guessing their next step. Parents are hesitant to co-sign loans. And counselors are hearing a new question: what are my other options?
But here’s the thing: college still has the power to change lives. For millions, it continues to be one of the most meaningful, transformational, and rewarding investments a person can make. It’s about more than stats and salary. It’s about stability, impact, and the ability to live a life of purpose.
The Real Cost of College Today
The sticker prices can be shocking. In the 2024–2025 academic year, the average tuition and fees at a public four-year college came in at $11,011 for in-state students. Out-of-state? That jumps to $24,513. Private schools topped it all at $43,505. (U.S. News)
That’s before you consider housing, textbooks, meals, transportation, and other living expenses. Once everything is added up, the cost of a four-year education can easily push into six figures. According to Business Insider, nearly half of all high school students planning to attend college say they expect to take out loans. And among parents, fewer than 30% say they believe they can cover the full cost of their child’s degree.
Even though financial aid and scholarships reduce the net price for many students to around $30,000, that still doesn’t include the hidden cost many overlook: the opportunity cost. That’s the money students could have earned by working full-time instead of spending four years in school. The New York Fed estimates this cost at $150,000. Add that to the direct expenses, and the total investment for a bachelor’s degree can reach $180,000.
Still, behind these costs is an opportunity that opens the door to better jobs, stronger communities, and lifelong growth. The challenge is real, but so is the reward.
What Students Get in Return
Despite the daunting cost, the return on investment (ROI) for most college graduates remains strong. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported median weekly earnings of $1,493 for bachelor’s degree holders. For high school graduates, it was $899. That’s a weekly difference of nearly $600, or more than $30,000 annually. Over the course of a 40-year career, that’s well over $1 million.
Not all degrees provide the same return, of course. Some programs offer much higher salary outcomes. For example, Federal Reserve Bank of New York data shows that mechanical engineering majors earn a median salary of $111,000 mid-career. Compare that to social service majors, who typically earn around $56,000. Choosing the right field, and the right school, can make all the difference.
But ROI isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about potential. It’s about freedom, the freedom to choose your path, to support your family, and to live without the fear of financial instability. That’s what a college education still offers.
More Than Just a Paycheck
College isn’t just about income. A 2024 Cengage report found that 57% of graduates said their college program equipped them with the skills they needed to thrive in their first job. These include more than technical skills; they’re learning how to write well, think critically, manage deadlines, and lead teams.
Equally important is the social capital that comes with college. Students build networks. They attend career fairs. They meet mentors and professors who can open doors. In many cases, the people you meet in college are the ones who help you land your first job or your second.
Personal growth also matters. College is often the first time students live independently, make long-term plans, and truly explore their identity. They experience wins and losses. They learn how to bounce back. And those life lessons have value, even if they don’t come with a salary number.
College also provides a sense of belonging and purpose. The friendships formed, the late-night study sessions, and the conversations that shift your perspective. These are the moments that stay with you long after graduation.
Why College Still Has a Bright Future
The conversation around college has shifted, but it doesn’t mean the value has disappeared. In fact, new research shows a renewed optimism for students who are intentional about their college choices. According to a 2023 report by the College Board, college graduates are not only earning more, but they’re healthier, more civically engaged, and more likely to have job benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
College graduates also experience lower unemployment. In 2023, the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders was 2.2%, compared to 4% for high school graduates (Bureau of Labor Statistics). In a shifting economy, that kind of stability matters.
On top of that, degrees are adapting to meet workforce demands. Today’s students have more access to online learning, micro-credentials, and specialized certificates that supplement traditional education. Schools are forming partnerships with companies, offering real-world internships, and helping students build relevant experience before they even graduate.
Confidence in college rises when students choose wisely. The Pew Research Center found that 75% of Americans who completed a bachelor’s degree say it was personally worthwhile. And among Gen Z, many believe higher education remains key to achieving their goals, especially when they feel supported and see a clear return.
The truth is, a college degree still unlocks access to better careers, long-term financial security, and personal fulfillment. And with the right planning, it can do so without overwhelming debt.
The Power of Finishing
The journey through college is filled with challenges, but the reward of completing a degree is powerful and increasingly attainable. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, completion rates for first-time students have been steadily rising, with over 63% of students earning a degree or certificate within six years. This is encouraging news for families concerned about unfinished degrees.
Why does finishing matter? Because the earnings gap is significant. Those who complete a bachelor’s degree earn nearly twice as much over their lifetimes as those with some college but no degree (College Board). And they are more likely to receive promotions, hold leadership roles, and weather economic downturns.
Students who persist often point to strong relationships, faculty mentorship, and a clear sense of purpose. Colleges that offer support systems, such as academic advising, mental health counseling, and peer mentorship, see much higher completion rates. These structures help students not only stay enrolled but also thrive.
Pathways with Purpose
While college remains a top option for many, students today are choosing from a growing menu of post-secondary paths, and that’s a good thing. More options mean more ways for young adults to find their calling and contribute to the world. Students can pursue a range of degree programs designed to prepare them for lives of purpose and service. These include:
- Business and Leadership (like the B.S. in Business and M.A. in Organizational Leadership)
- Psychology (including the B.S. in Psychology and the 4+1 accelerated master’s option in Leadership Psychology)
- Human Services (focused on community care, outreach, and social support)
- Biblical Studies and Ministry (such as the B.S. in Ministry and B.S. in Biblical Studies)
- Communication and Media (like the B.S. in Communication or the new major in Sports Communication & Management)
- Criminal Justice, Education, and Music & Worship Arts
- Sports Communication & Management, designed for students interested in sports media, team management, and athlete representation
- Construction and Carpentry, through partnerships with institutions like West Michigan Construction Institute**
Why Transparency Matters
Families need clarity. Unfortunately, that’s often the missing piece.
Only 23% of adults without college degrees can accurately estimate the cost of a bachelor’s degree. (Inside Higher Ed) That kind of gap creates confusion, bad decisions, and, eventually, resentment.
Colleges must do more to provide transparent, user-friendly information about tuition, aid, career outcomes, and student support. Families shouldn’t need a financial advisor and a spreadsheet to figure out if a college is a good fit.
At Grace Christian University, transparency is built into every part of the student experience. Through the Vision 2025 initiative, Grace has eliminated inflated sticker prices and hidden discounts. What students see is what they pay, real costs, clear scholarship models, and no surprise fees. This honest pricing structure helps families plan with confidence and allows students to focus more on learning and less on financial guesswork.
When information is clear, students are empowered to make confident, informed decisions. And when those decisions align with personal calling, goals, and support systems, students thrive.
So… Is It Worth It?
For many people, college is still one of the best investments they’ll ever make.
According to the New York Fed, the average return on a bachelor’s degree is 12.5%. That’s better than the average return from the stock market. And it lasts a lifetime.
Still, the value varies. It depends on your major, the school you choose, whether you finish, and what you do with your degree. That’s why students need good information, strong guidance, and time to explore all their options.
College still opens doors, builds bridges, and creates possibilities. It’s not a guarantee, but it is a powerful tool.
When It All Aligns
Some colleges are stepping up to meet students where they are. Grace Christian University is one of them. Through its Vision 2025 initiative, Grace has committed to an honest, transparent, and affordable education.
At Grace, students know what they’re paying and what they’re getting. The university has eliminated inflated sticker prices and hidden discounts. What you see is what you pay for. Scholarships are real and rooted in the support of donors who believe in the mission.
And that mission is clear: to graduate courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go. With more than 30 credit hours in Bible and Theology, hands-on internship experiences, and deep faculty mentorship, students at Grace are being prepared not just for careers but for their calling.
The theme at Grace is “Learn. Grow. Serve.” Students learn through high-quality academics grounded in Scripture. They grow through spiritual formation, mentorship, and continuous discipleship. Students serve on campus, in local churches, and in communities across the globe, living out their faith in tangible, lasting ways.
In a world full of questions about college, Grace offers clarity. And that kind of clarity? It’s worth a lot.
Learn more about Grace Christian University and explore your pathway forward.
