Final answer:
The link between obtaining a degree from a more expensive college and securing a better job depends on the individual's field of study and career path. Rising education costs and the importance of post-secondary education in a changing job market further complicate the equation. Ultimately, the decision is based on personal and financial trade-offs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether obtaining a degree from a more expensive college increases the likelihood of securing a better job is multifaceted. The wage advantage of a college degree can be significant, as studies have shown there is a widening personal income gap between college degree holders and high school graduates. However, with rising education costs and potential debt, the financial benefit might be offset, particularly in fields with a smaller wage advantage over non-college graduates.
Moreover, despite the higher wages that generally accompany higher degrees, not everyone pursues them due to various choices and tradeoffs. For some, the investment in education is seen as necessary, but the impact of skyrocketing costs and minimal increases in government support can not be understated. Meanwhile, the value of a high school diploma has declined significantly, making post-secondary education nearly indispensable for many jobs that historically provided middle-class income without it, further contributing to income inequality.
In essence, whether a degree from a more expensive college is worth it depends on several factors, including the individual's career path, the field of study, and the economic context of education and employment trends.