> Why should students pay for this while living for 4 years in poverty conditions when there is arguably little tangible benefit beyond checking a box required

> Why should students pay for this while living for 4 years in poverty conditions when there is arguably little tangible benefit beyond checking a box required by employers? They wouldn't. But there is a tangible benefit for many, that is why they are willing to spend this money to go to school. No one forces kids to go to school at 18 just like it doesn't force kids to blow money on credit cards and rack up debt, or buy cars on ridiculous interest rate loans, or spend high rent in over-priced apartments so they can be near the cool bars. No one forces kids to go to the private school for 40k a year over a local school at half the price. No one forces parents to not save more money for college, or to help their kids more. The fact that these things continue is evidence enough - the cost benefit is college is still worth it. I've seen little (besides rich white Silicon Valley types who are loaded railing against the establishment)evidence otherwise.