College: Worth The Risk? In an entry-level job, a supervisor holds a degree in Medical Coding and Billing. Likewise, a cashier at Dollar Tree spouts facts about the chewing of gum and its effect on the body, facts that she learned while researching modern habits for her college thesis. Both have college degrees, however, neither is enjoying the wage premium. One of the main points argued in favor of college. The article “Is College Worth It? Clearly, New Data Say” by David Leonhardt, published in the New York Times, pointed out the great difference between salaries for people with a degree and without. In addition, Leonhardt’s economic statements over the value of a degree and its future growth strengthened his argument. Though shortly after Leonhardt’s article was published, a response article from the Chronicle of Higher Education appeared. “‘Is College Worth It’ You Might First Ask, ‘Worth It for Whom?’” by Jonah Newman introduced the idea that college’s true price tag had many factors to…show more content… For example, Newman emphasized that the financial gain applied only to those who graduated and excluded graduates from community colleges. Furthermore, he stated that “fewer than 60 percent of students graduate in less than six years” ( 2), and those of humble beginnings and racial minorities are at an even lower rate. In other words, those who lust more after the idea of financial stability and a good job are less likely to attain it. It also means that that greater than 40 percent who don’t graduate in a timely fashion are sidled with federally subsidized student debt, no degree, and no wage premium with which to pay off said student debt, so the idea of financial stability is ultimately pushed further
