{
  "id": 12112057,
  "title": "The Slow Death of College",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/the-slow-death-of-college",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/is-college-still-worth-it-12517598"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The article explores the challenges and concerns surrounding the modern American college experience. Juan Rosales Jr., a 30-year-old student at Long Beach City College, is among those who question whether a degree will lead to better financial and professional outcomes. Rosales says he's taking a risk, hoping that something positive will come of his investment.\n\nThe article highlights the significant costs associated with college education. For the 2025-26 academic year, the estimated average annual student budget is $30,990 for in-state students at public four-year institutions and $65,470 for private nonprofit colleges. Over four years, private colleges can cost more than $260,000 without financial aid. Tuition has risen dramatically over three decades, with public four-year tuition increasing from $5,940 in 1995-96 to $11,950 today, and private nonprofit college tuition rising from $25,820 to $45,000.\n\nThe article also examines the financial trade-offs of attending college. An 18-year-old who enrolls in college forgoes four years of potential earnings, experience, and savings. However, those who earn an associate degree make $1,135 per week, while bachelor's degree holders earn $1,578, and those with master's degrees earn $1,986. Despite the higher median incomes for college graduates, the costs and financial risks must be considered.\n\nThe piece also touches on the broader cultural and social challenges within American campuses. Students are increasingly self-censoring on campus topics, which limits valuable educational conversations. Additionally, campuses have faced issues such as protests, accusations of antisemitism, sexual-assault allegations, and mental health concerns. These problems complicate the notion that college is solely a place for intellectual exploration and personal growth.\n\nOverall, the article argues that the value of a college education is no longer solely about the financial return on investment. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of the broader experiences, personal growth, and intellectual development that college offers, which may not be quantifiable in monetary terms.",
  "summary": "College still pays, but soaring costs, a tougher job market and campus turmoil are eroding faith in the American college bargain.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}