Tuesday, April 8, 2025

11:00 am
 - 
11:40 am
LOCATION
Seaport Ballroom F-G, Level 2
CHANNEL
Lightning Stage
Type
TAGS
Higher Education
Equality + Access

The Disagreement: Is College Worth it?

As tuition costs soar and employers rethink degree requirements, the value of a college education is under greater scrutiny than ever before. While higher education has long been seen as a gateway to opportunity, critics argue that the current system is too expensive, too slow to adapt to workforce needs, and leaves too many students behind. At the same time, defenders of college emphasize its role in driving social mobility and preparing graduates for long-term success—while acknowledging that the system must evolve to better serve today’s students.

In this lively debate, two leading voices in higher education will tackle these pressing questions: Does the traditional college model still make sense in today’s economy? Should we embrace faster, skills-based alternatives? And how can institutions balance access, affordability, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing world?

Join us for a candid discussion on the future of higher education, the shifting expectations of students and employers, and what needs to change to ensure that college remains a worthwhile investment.