Lifestyle
Despite naysayers and rising costs, data shows that college still pays off for students – and society overall
College graduates earn significantly more than high school graduates, but rising costs and policy changes affect enrollment. The need for educated workers is increasing, necessitating reforms in higher education to align skills with job market demands and improve access.
Despite naysayers and rising costs, data shows that college still pays off for students – and society overall
Stanley S. Litow, Columbia University
No industry has perhaps felt the negative effect of a radical shift in federal policy under the second Trump administration more than higher education.
Many American colleges and universities, especially public institutions, have experienced swift and extensive federal cuts to grants, research and other programs in 2025.
Meanwhile, new restrictive immigration policies have prevented many international students from enrolling in public and private universities. Universities and colleges are also facing other various other challenges – like the threat to academic freedom.
These shifts coincide with the broader, increasingly amplified argument that getting a college degree does not matter, after all. A September 2025 Gallup poll shows that while 35% of people rated college as “very important,” another 40% said it is “fairly important,” and 24% said it is “not too important.”
By comparison, 75% of surveyed people in 2010 said that college was “very important,” while 21% said it was “fairly important” and 4% said it is “not too important.”
Still, as a scholar of education, economic development and social issues, I know that there is ample and growing evidence that a college degree is still very much worth it. Graduating from college is directly connected to higher entry-level wages and long-term career success.
A growing gap
Some people argue that a college degree does not matter, since there might not be enough jobs for college graduates and other workers, given the growth of artificial intelligence, for example. Some clear evidence shows otherwise.
An estimated 18.4 million workers with a college degree in the U.S. will retire from now through 2032, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. This is far greater than the 13.8 million workers who will enter the workforce with college degrees during this same time frame.
Meanwhile, an additional 685,000 new jobs that require college degrees – spanning from environmental positions to advanced manufacturing – will be created from now through 2032.
The gap between those expected to leave and enter the workforce with college degrees creates a serious problem. One major question is whether there will be enough people to fill the available jobs that require a college degree.
In 2023, foreign-born people made up 16% of registered nurses in the U.S., though that percentage is higher in certain states, like California. But restrictions on immigration could limit the number of potential nurses able to fill open positions.
Nursing and teaching are two fields expected to grow over the next few decades, and they will require more workers due to retirements.
Other fields, like accounting, engineering, law and many others, are also expected to have more college-educated workers retire than there are new workers to fill their positions.
Worth the cost
The average annual salary of a college graduate from the class of 2023 was US$64,291 in 2024, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
The overall average salary for this graduation class one year after they left school marked an increase from the average $60,028 that the class of 2022 earned in 2023, equivalent to $63,850 today.
While there is not available data that offers a direct comparison, full-time, year-round workers ages 25 to 34 with a high school diploma earned $41,800 in median annual earnings in 2022, or $46,100 today.
Overall lifetime earnings for those with college degrees is about about $1.2 million more than people with a high school make, according to the recent Georgetown findings.
People who earn more generally have more money to support their families and contribute to their immediate communities. Their higher taxes also contribute to the U.S. economy, supporting needed services like education, public safety and health care.
People with college degrees are also more likely than those who are not college graduates to vote, volunteer and make charitable donations to help others in need.
College matters for individuals, but it clearly also helps improve the economy.
With 64 public colleges across the state, the State University of New York system is the largest post-secondary network of higher education schools in the country. For every $1 the state of New York invests in SUNY, the SUNY system returns $8.70 to the state in terms of economic growth, according to 2024 findings by the Rockefeller Institute, an independent public policy research organization affiliated with SUNY. And that is only one state.
A new way forward
It isn’t likely that the expected number of college-educated people who will soon retire will suddenly decrease, or that the anticipated number of people entering the workforce will unexpectedly increase.
There are practical reasons why some people do not want to go to college, or cannot attend. Indeed, the percentage of young people enrolled as college undergraduates fell almost 15% from 2010 through 2022.
For one, tuition and fees at private colleges have increased about 32% since 2006, after adjusting for inflation. And in-state tuition and fees at public universities have also grown about 29% since 2006.
The total of federal student loan debt for college has also tripled since 2007. It stood at about $1.84 trillion in 2024.
I believe that in order to ensure enough college-educated people can fill the anticipated work openings in the future, universities and the government should embrace needed changes to increase both enrollment and completion rates.
Artificial intelligence will transform work worldwide, for example, and that shift should be incorporated into higher education curriculum and degrees. Soft skills – like problem-solving, collaboration, presentation and writing skills – will become more important and should be prioritized in the learning process.
I believe that universities should also prioritize experiential education, including paid internships that offer students academic credit. This can help students gain experience that is both accredited and is connected to direct career pathways.
Universities and high schools could also expand how much they offer microcredentials – or short, focused learning programs that offer practical skills in a specific area – so students can connect their education with clear career pathways.
These reforms aren’t easy. They require a commitment to change, and all of this work will require deep partnerships with the government. While that might be a heavy lift currently at the federal level, it is both possible and achievable to make advances on these and other changes at the state level.
American universities and colleges have always been key to preparing the workforce for economic opportunity. At the end of World War II, for example, Columbia University and IBM worked together to help create the academic discipline now called computer science.
This action did more than help one university or one employer. It fueled change across higher education and across private companies and the government, leading to massive economic growth.
Universities have made countless other contributions to strengthen and expand the economy. Considering solutions to some of the challenges that stop students from going to college could help ensure that more students see the value in a college education – and a tangible way for them to connect it to a future career.
Stanley S. Litow, Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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The Knowledge
How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind
How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind
Last Updated on January 29, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Annie Margaret, University of Colorado Boulder
How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind
When graphic videos like those of the recent shooting of a protester by federal agents in Minneapolis go viral, it can feel impossible to protect yourself from seeing things you did not consent to see. But there are steps you can take.
Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, not protect your peace of mind. The major platforms have also reduced their content moderation efforts over the past year or so. That means upsetting content can reach you even when you never chose to watch it.
You do not have to watch every piece of content that crosses your screen, however. Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial. As a researcher who studies ways to counteract the negative effects of social media on mental health and well-being, I believe it’s a way of safeguarding the bandwidth you need to stay engaged, compassionate and effective.
Why this matters
Research shows that repeated exposure to violent or disturbing media can increase stress, heighten anxiety and contribute to feelings of helplessness. These effects are not just short-term. Over time, they erode the emotional resources you rely on to care for yourself and others.
Protecting your attention is a form of care. Liberating your attention from harmful content is not withdrawal. It is reclaiming your most powerful creative force: your consciousness.
Just as with food, not everything on the table is meant to be eaten. You wouldn’t eat something spoiled or toxic simply because it was served to you. In the same way, not every piece of media laid out in your feed deserves your attention. Choosing what to consume is a matter of health.
And while you can choose what you keep in your own kitchen cabinets, you often have less control over what shows up in your feeds. That is why it helps to take intentional steps to filter, block and set boundaries.
Practical steps you can take
Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos. Here are four that I recommend:
- Turn off autoplay or limit sensitive content. Note that these settings can vary depending on device, operating system and app version, and can change.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d1deR/2
- Use keyword filters. Most platforms allow you to mute or block specific words, phrases or hashtags. This reduces the chance that graphic or violent content slips into your feed.
- Curate your feed. Unfollow accounts that regularly share disturbing images. Follow accounts that bring you knowledge, connection or joy instead.
- Set boundaries. Reserve phone-free time during meals or before bed. Research shows that intentional breaks reduce stress and improve well-being.
Reclaim your agency
Social media is not neutral. Its algorithms are engineered to hold your attention, even when that means amplifying harmful or sensational material. Watching passively only serves the interests of the social media companies. Choosing to protect your attention is a way to reclaim your agency.
The urge to follow along in real time can be strong, especially during crises. But choosing not to watch every disturbing image is not neglect; it is self-preservation. Looking away protects your ability to act with purpose. When your attention is hijacked, your energy goes into shock and outrage. When your attention is steady, you can choose where to invest it.
You are not powerless. Every boundary you set – whether it is turning off autoplay, filtering content or curating your feed – is a way of taking control over what enters your mind. These actions are the foundation for being able to connect with others, help people and work for meaningful change.
More resources
I’m the executive director of the Post-Internet Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people navigate the psychological and social challenges of life online. With my team, I designed the evidence-backed PRISM intervention to help people manage their social media use.
Our research-based program emphasizes agency, intention and values alignment as the keys to developing healthier patterns of media consumption. You can try the PRISM process for yourself with an online class I launched through Coursera in October 2025. You can find the course, Values Aligned Media Consumption, on Coursera. The course is aimed at anyone 18 and over, and the videos are free to watch.
This story was updated on Jan. 25, 2026 to include reference to the recent shooting in Minneapolis.
Annie Margaret, Teaching Assistant Professor of Creative Technology & Design, ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Lifestyle
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026
The American Heart Association’s 2026 update reveals a decrease in deaths from heart disease and stroke, despite rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Following their Life’s Essential 8 guidelines can prevent 40% of cardiovascular deaths, emphasizing the importance of healthier lifestyles for improved heart health.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026
(Family Features) Taking care of your heart with healthy behaviors may be at the top of your wellness priority list already, and there may be good news about the effects of adhering to expert recommendations.
New information from the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics Update shows deaths from heart disease and stroke are on the decline. However, rates continue to climb for high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity – all of which are health risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Following expert guidance can be your prescription for better health as 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable.
To help maintain and improve your cardiovascular health, consider following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which is a set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure).
In the United States, optimal Life’s Essential 8 scores could prevent up to 40% of annual all-cause and cardiovascular disease deaths among adults.
Consider these highlights from the statistics update:
- Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke is the No. 4 leading cause of death.
- Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than a quarter of all deaths in the U.S. in 2023.
- Cardiovascular diseases, including all types of heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. each year than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths — the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death – combined.
- On average, every 34 seconds, someone died of cardiovascular disease in 2023.
- On average, about two people died of heart disease every 3 minutes in the U.S. in 2023.
- On average in 2023, someone died of stroke every 3 minutes, 14 seconds in the U.S.
- Nearly half of U.S. adults now have high blood pressure.
- Nearly 29.5 million U.S. adults have diagnosed diabetes.
- About 50% of U.S. adults have obesity or severe obesity, and 28.1% of youth ages 2-19 have obesity.
- Only 1 in 4 U.S. adults meets national physical activity guidelines. Only 1 in 5 U.S. youths ages 6-17 are physically active for 60 minutes or more every day of the week.
To learn more about how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, visit heart.org.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Lifestyle
5 Tips to Upgrade Your Home Office
Consider these ideas to blend function, comfort and style, and create a home office that inspires creativity and makes you want to sit down and get things done.
Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Daily News Staff
5 Tips to Upgrade Your Home Office
(Family Features) Hybrid schedules and remote work have become the norm for many people, which means a functional and inspiring workspace is more necessity than luxury. With the right setup – be it a dedicated room or a cozy corner – your space can boost productivity, spark creativity and make your workday more enjoyable. Consider these ideas to blend function, comfort and style, and create a home office that inspires creativity and makes you want to sit down and get things done. Focus on Comfort The desk and chair are the foundation of any home office. Be sure to build a setup that matches your work style by picking the right height desk (with the proper amount of storage and workspace to complete your tasks) and an adjustable chair with good lumbar support. If you’re at your computer most of the time during the day, an ergonomic keyboard and monitor stand can also make a comfortable difference. Create a Clutter-Free Work Zone Incorporating smart storage solutions like shelves, filing cabinets or baskets can help keep your workspace tidy and free of distracting clutter. Desk trays can keep small office supplies organized and within easy reach while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Add Personality with Decor Much like the rest of your home, your workspace should reflect your personality and style. Add artwork, decorative accents, plants or a photo wall to bring inspiration and freshness to your office and choose a color palette that promotes positivity and focus, such as soft blues, greens or neutrals. Layer Functional Lighting For optimal productivity, combine natural light with task and ambient lighting. If possible, position your desk near a window to capture natural light then supplement your space with a desk lamp for focused illumination and floor lamps, under-shelf lighting or wall sconces to add warmth and depth. Don’t Forget Acoustics Distracting noises can negatively impact focus. To absorb sound, use soft furnishings like rugs, upholstered chairs or curtains and consider a white noise machine if you need a more soothing work environment. Find more ideas to update every room in your house at eLivingtoday.com. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockDiscover more from Daily News
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