Public Education is going to Get Pricier, Again

I am sure many of you will have heard that California’s new governor, Jerry Brown announced his proposed budget cuts that aim to eat into the state’s out-of-control deficit. Higher education, like so many other programs, will receive a whopping cut of $1.4 billion if the Legislature approves Brown’s plan. 112 public universities and community colleges stand to loose under this proposal and the cuts would affect everything from class size and tuition to student services and jobs. 

California isn’t the only state hurting when it comes to public higher education. Nevada, Washington and New Jersey, among others, face cuts that may result in costs passed along to students. Of course, this trend isn’t new. Higher education costs have been rising for years. In fact, the cost has risen 70% between 1991 and 2010, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Aside from the cost, students have to think about the return on investment. In other words, what kind of job can they get afterward to pay off those student loans? The answer to this question is much tougher given today’s economy. Going to a four-year college does not guarantee students jobs on the other side of graduation. Students are rightfully concerned since it seems the current system is failing them.

This comes up over and over again when we’re talking to students. They need to know what they are learning will ultimately lead to a job and hopefully a rewarding one. This is something that we have long understood here at Escape Studios and that’s why we actively help our students find a job. 85% of Escapees get a job in the CG industry within a year. Since the cost of education isn’t going down, perhaps it’s time to take a different look at the format of schools and what they get students. Four-year colleges may not be the right path for as many students going forward.   

Drop me a line and let me know what you think.