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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

President's Wednesday Message


Last Friday, the Rochester Business Journal published the results of its most recent Snap Poll, which asked the following question: “In today’s economy, is a college degree generally worth the cost?”

Before sharing the outcome of the poll, let me provide context: there are almost 20 colleges and universities in our region; the average RBJ reader is college-educated and likely has children or grandchildren in college; and the response to the same poll run four years ago was positive (65% agreed it was worth the cost).

In the end, 55% of 620 respondents to the poll agreed that a college degree was worth the cost. That is, just over half.

Readers were also asked a follow-up question, “In your view, compared with before the Great Recession, has the value of a college degree increased or decreased?” Only 26% of the respondents felt it had increased; 56% reported that the value of a college degree has decreased. The remainder saw no change in value.

A review of the comments reveals that the readers saw lots of blame to go around for the declining value of a college degree: increasing tuition, over-emphasis on new buildings, administrators, faculty, stagnant wages, financial aid subsidies, students’ majors, lack of relevant curriculum, student debt, and more. A few commenters positively mentioned MCC, SUNY, and community colleges and the value we provide, but the overall tone of those sharing their thoughts was sobering.

We’re heading into the last few weeks of the term, the prelude to commencement. It is a time of celebration of our students’ accomplishments and the role our faculty and staff have played in their success. Yet, in reading the RBJ story, I saw another perspective: one that should cause us to be think about how we convey the value of what we do.

It is a useful exercise to imagine how one would answer the following: “Is an MCC degree worth the cost?” I get asked this question frequently and have a ready-response. So, my question today is: what would you say?

Share your thoughts on the blog or send me an email.

Anne M. Kress
Office of the President
05/11/2016