Recorded live at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, this episode of The Disagreement Podcast tackles the pressing question: Is college still worth it? Host Alex Grodd moderates a dynamic debate between higher education experts Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, and Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of Apprentice Nation. Together, they unpack whether the traditional college model delivers economic and societal value in today’s economy, or if shorter, skills-based alternatives like apprenticeships offer a better path. The discussion dives into ROI, workforce readiness, and the need for institutional reform, with Burns defending college’s broader societal benefits and Craig advocating for "earn and learn" pathways to address employability gaps.

With sharp insights, personal anecdotes, and a candid exchange of ideas, this episode challenges assumptions about higher education’s role in a rapidly changing world. From the alarming statistic that only a quarter of college matriculants achieve their desired job outcomes to the call for integrating work-based learning into curricula, Burns and Craig offer compelling perspectives. A lively “steel man” exercise caps the debate, showcasing their ability to articulate each other’s arguments. This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, and educators grappling with the future of post-secondary education.

Key Takeaways:

• College’s economic ROI is under scrutiny, with nearly half of students not completing degrees and over half of graduates underemployed.

• Societal benefits of college, like critical thinking and civic engagement, remain vital but must be balanced with better employment outcomes.

• Apprenticeships and work-based learning offer viable alternatives, though they may limit long-term career flexibility.

• Higher education needs reform to align curricula with workforce demands, especially in the AI-driven economy.

• The debate highlights the need for diverse, adaptable educational pathways rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

“College is not a monolith, and it is a very individual choice, and we have to do a far better job actually helping people be successful with it.” – Dr. Bridget Burns

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This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.