College Costs and Voter Divides: Why Education Matters More Than Ever

Have you ever wondered why some people don't see the value in a college education, even though it's getting cheaper? Paul Peterson, a professor at Harvard, says that people might feel like they're not getting enough back, but the data actually shows that a college degree is worth more now than ever before. This mismatch between feelings and facts is happening in higher education, and it could be one reason why Democrats are struggling with working-class voters. Back in 2008, folks without a college degree were more likely to vote Democrat. But in the last few years, things have changed. Now, a majority of these voters are backing Republicans, like former President Donald Trump. People with just a high school diploma or less trust Trump more when it comes to dealing with economic issues. Inflation is a big worry for many, and Trump gained a lot of support from voters who were feeling the pinch of high prices. But why are some folks missing out on the benefits of a college education? Well, it's not just about the cost. Having a college degree can make you almost immune to recessions and inflation, according to Andrew Smith, who runs a survey center at the University of New Hampshire. So, even though the wage gap between college grads and high school grads is big, it's still worth it to go to college. But for some, college is still too expensive. Even with financial aid, it can be a struggle for lower-income families to pay for tuition. And inflation is hitting these families the hardest, making college seem even more out of reach. Robin Isserles, a professor in New York City, sees this struggle firsthand. She says that even though her students know college can pay off, it's tough to balance work and school. But here's something interesting: in states like New Jersey, where Democrats won by a narrow margin, voters said that affording education was a major issue. That's because tuition fees have been going up at public and private colleges. And in states where Republicans made gains, like New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, colleges have some of the highest tuition in the country. But don't worry, college isn't as expensive as it seems. Many students pay much less than the advertised tuition thanks to financial aid. But not everyone knows about this, so they might be missing out on a cheaper education.