 Dear Reader,
The Hechinger Report this week is filled with news that could seem distressing for future artists, philosophers and actors – and their parents. Of those majoring in areas like dance, philosophy, studio arts or performing arts – a group that includes my own children – only half will be likely to recoup their costs within five years; another half will likely never make enough to cover what they spent.
Of course, there’s far more to college than just getting a job, but at a time of rising tuitions and crippling student debt, it seems logical for parents and students to understand in advance what they are getting into, and to be armed with information colleges weren’t always so willing to part with, as our story points out.
It’s time. Fear of rampant debt means college enrollment is plummeting, with more young adults choosing work over college. Unsurprisingly, colleges and universities that serve this population saw the largest enrollment declines.
Yet amid all this bad news comes another trend we explore this week: More job training programs bridging the gap between the skills that job seekers lack and the needs of employers. It’s a hopeful sign for the artists and philosophers, or for anyone who wants to change careers or move up in their existing jobs.
Take your time with these stories, and let us know what you think. And please, tell others to sign up for our weekly newsletter. We love to hear from our readers.
Liz Willen, Editor
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