College Board report shows broad value of a college degree

Sandy Baum, Skidmore College economist and senior policy analyst at the College Board, is the co-author of a new study from the College Board that "has plenty of data to back up the well-worn claim that college graduates can expect significantly higher wages over their lifetime than their counterparts," Inside Higher Education reports.

More significantly, writes IHE, the report makes a strong case for funding higher education not only as a private investment but as a public good.

Those with the highest degrees were more likely than others to say it's important to understand the opinions of others, the report concludes. Baum also shows a correlation between more education and better health at every age and income level. The effect is especially pronounced in those over age 65, with 70 percent of college graduates describing themselves as being in "excellent" or "very good" health versus only 45 percent for high school graduates.

For the full Inside Higher Ed story, click here.