The average cost of schooling at Cal State LA is about $36 thousand. With housing costs, fees, and inflation, students are feeling the pressure. For decades, a four-year college degree was considered the golden ticket to success. But today, some are asking: at what cost?
“I think it was pressure from my family. My sibling also went to a 4-year school, so I had to level her,” said Nicanor Taylor, a Cal State Los Angeles student.
Taylor is majoring in business and hopes the degree will give him flexibility in his career.
“I think with a business degree, you can do a lot of different things, and I have a lot of options,” said Taylor.
But nationally, the return on investment is under scrutiny, especially for students racking up massive debt.
Others feel that jumping straight into a university builds momentum despite the cost.
“I felt like I could streamline my education a little bit more if I went to a 4-year college right away. I felt like if I went to a 4-year off the rip, I would feel more enticed or more committed to actually try my best,” said AJ Zepeda, Cal State Los Angeles Student.
Still, the long-term payoff isn’t guaranteed.
“In a financial sense, I don’t really know… the most difficult part of getting a degree or not getting a degree is seeing if you could find any sort of employment after the fact,” said Zepeda.
As college costs rise and job markets shift, the value of a four-year degree may no longer be one-size-fits-all.
