Education cost is problem

No one will argue that there is a crisis in the level of student debt saddling recent college graduates. But, as in health care, we are again debating the wrong question. All of the discussion is about “who pays?” And no one seems to what to ask “why does it cost so much?” The truth is that, except in a few specialized fields, the return on a college education (i.e., jobs and income available) often does not justify the investment required (tuition and fees) to obtain a degree.

Shifting costs and debt from students to others will not correct this. Instead, we need to rebalance this fundamental economic equation. Higher education must either cost less or produce greater economic value. All other “solutions” are smoke and mirrors.

Wade Griffith

Spokane