Each spring, millions of families weigh the cost of higher education against an uncertain future — and a new long-term study from Texas offers one of the clearest answers yet. Tracking nearly 30,000 students over 15 years, researchers found that bachelor's degree holders earned $87,000 more than their peers who entered the workforce directly, even after accounting for tuition, living expenses, and foregone wages. The findings suggest that the college degree, much debated and often doubted, continues to function as one of the more reliable economic compacts available to those who pursue it.
CBS News
· May 18, 2026
· economy
· 2 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
College degree pays off within 15 years, even for liberal arts majors, study finds
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Education
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Geopolitical Impact
🌎
This article about college earnings has no geopolitical implications; it is a domestic US education policy analysis.
Escalation Risk
low
Confidence
HIGH
Bias & Framing
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Economic Lens
📈
15-year Texas study of 29,000 students shows college graduates earn $87,000 more than high school graduates after accounting for costs, supporting higher education ROI across all majors.
Market Signal
bullish
Confidence
HIGH
Education and Higher Learning
Labor Market and Employment
Student Lending and Finance
Engineering and Professional Services
Liberal Arts and Humanities
Households investing in bachelor's degrees see positive long-term financial returns averaging $87,000 over 15 years, reducing financial uncertainty around college costs and justifying education debt for most majors. This supports continued consumer demand for higher education despite rising tuition costs.
Findings may influence policy debates on student loan forgiveness, education subsidies, and workforce development. Could strengthen arguments for maintaining federal education funding and loan programs. May also pressure policymakers to address affordability concerns while evidence supports degree value. Regional variations suggest need for localized education policy approaches.