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Essential Pittsburgh: How Much is a College Degree Really Worth Today?

There’s a continual emphasis on the importance of obtaining a college education. However, as the costs associated with higher education continue to increase, is a college degree diminishing in importance among college students and their parents?  Marty McGough Vice President for Market Insights, of Campos Research Strategy gives his take on that theory.

Students and would-be students are increasingly weighing the costs of college against the benefits, McGough says:

“I think that the pressures placed on [college students] -- the cost of college tuition, what’s expected of them, a job market that’s pretty bleak, and that they’re going to be saddled with the student loan debt -- makes their emphasis right off the bat in freshman year thinking, ‘When I graduate, what kind of job am I going to get? Will I be able to pay back my student loans?’ And they make a calculation in their mind whether university is really worth it from a financial perspective. And I think that maybe ten or twenty years ago that was less likely.”

Also in the program, Post-Gazette politics editor James O’Toole talks about the local political endorsement process, Rep. Dan Miller describes the Children and Youth Disability and Mental Health Summit, Margaret J. Krauss looks back on the history of Pittsburgh’s “h.”

Democratic Party Endorsements

A carnival like atmosphere prevailed as Allegheny County Democratic Party regulars gathered to cast their votes for endorsements over the weekend. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette politics editor James O'Toole talks about whether or not the endorsement process still makes sense in the modern age.  

Disability and Mental Health Summit

A child with disabilities or mental health issues faces a number of challenges as they transition to adulthood. These concerns can include employment, health care and independent living. The Children and Youth Disability and Mental Health Summit has been organized to help families address these concerns. Rep. Dan Miller talks about the summit and his role. 

WESA Celebrates Inventing Pittsburgh - What the "h"?

What's in a name? Well, a lot, it turns out. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names touched off a 20-year identity crisis in 1891 when it required Pittsburgh to drop its "h." Margaret J. Krauss reports

Reject U

There’s a continual emphasis on the importance of obtaining a college education. However, as the costs associated with higher education continue to increase, is a college degree diminishing in importance among college students and their parents?  Marty McGough Vice President for Market Insights, of Campos Research Strategy gives his take on that theory.

To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here