If we view the economic value of college based solely on the direct outcomes of post-graduation performance, then perhaps we're evaluating the investment based on incongruent objectives and misaligned time horizons. That is to say, my career-based decisions should be based on my career goals. As such, I should choose the best course of action to increase my likelihood of achieving them. For some, that might mean a college degree; for others, perhaps not.

If we only measure the value of college based on immediate value realization, then we likely ignore the long-term financial benefits that college provides, like the network.

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