Said 150k a year for 40 years generates more in taxes than the up front cost of the education, so said investment makes sense in terms of the public good. With

Said 150k a year for 40 years generates more in taxes than the up front cost of the education, so said investment makes sense in terms of the public good. With loans, the govt both makes a return on the interest AND a lifetime increase in net tax revenues. Value of a college education goes beyond salary, and ideally creates a better informed citizenry.