- Yale University
- About Yale Insights
- Privacy Policy
- Accessibility
What’s the Value of Higher Education?
Have political and fiscal debates about higher education lost sight of the value of education for individuals and society? Dr. Johnnetta Cole discusses how universities can inform and inspire.
- Dr. Johnnetta Cole President Emerita, Smithsonian National Museum of African Art; President Emerita, Spelman College and Bennett College
This interview was conducted at the Yale Higher Education Leadership Summit , hosted by Yale SOM’s Chief Executive Leadership Institute on January 30, 2018.
The value of a college degree can be measured in a number of different ways: increased lifetime earnings potential, a network of classmates and fellow alumni, subject-matter expertise, a signal of stick-to-itiveness, potentially a marker of class or the capacity to move across classes. There are also less tangible benefits, like becoming a more well-rounded individual and part of a well-informed public.
Yale Insights recently talked with Dr. Johnnetta Cole about how she measures the value of higher education. Cole is the former president of Spelman College and Bennett College, the only two historically black colleges and universities that are exclusively women’s colleges. After retiring from academia, she served as the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. In addition, she served on the boards of a number of corporations, including Home Depot, Merck, and Coca-Cola. She was the first African-American chair of the board for the United Way of America.
Q: Why does higher education matter?
I would say that we could get widespread agreement on what I’m going to call the first purpose of higher education: through this amazingly powerful process of teaching and learning, students come to better understand the world.
There might be some disagreement on the second purpose. I’d say it is to inspire students to figure out how they can contribute to helping to make the world better. Certainly, higher education is about scholarship, but it’s also about service. It’s about creativity. It’s about matters of the mind, but it’s also, or at least it should be, about matters of the heart and the soul.
Q: Has the public perception of universities changed in recent years?
Throughout the history—and herstory—of higher education, there have been doubters, those who have critiqued it. But I have a concern, and some polls tell us, in this period in which we are living, many people believe that higher education is not contributing in a positive way to American life.
That’s something that we need to work on, those of us who are deeply engaged in and care about higher education, because I think when one looks with as much objectivity as possible, the truth is, and it’s always been, that higher education contributes substantially.
Q: You’ve led two historically black colleges for women. What is the role of special mission institutions?
In my view, we still need special mission institutions. Remember Brandeis, Notre Dame, and Brigham Young are special mission institutions.
With respect to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), not every African American wants to or does go to an HBCU. The same is true of women and women’s colleges. But for those who wish that kind of education, and if the fit is right, it’s almost magical.
I think it is as basic as having an entire community believe that you can. On these campuses, we believe that black students can do whatever they set their minds to do. On the women’s campuses, we believe that women can reach heights that have not been imagined for women.
HBCUs are not totally free of racism. Women’s colleges are not utopias where there are no expressions of gender inequality or sexism. But they come far closer than at our predominately white and co-ed institutions.
Q: One of the big issues with higher education now is cost. How do we solve the affordability problem?
The affordability question is highly complex and serious. James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed that is not faced.” I believe that this is a perfect example. Colleges and universities are not just raising tuitions so they can make big profits. Pell grants are no longer at least a reasonable response to the affordability question.
We’ve got to figure this out because, in a democracy, accessibility to education is fundamental. The idea that something as precious, as powerful, as a solid education is only accessible to some and not to others, is an assault upon democracy.
Q: You came out of retirement to lead the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Why was the draw so strong?
I’ve managed, systematically, to get a failing grade in retirement.
I grew up in the South, in the days of legalized segregation—you could also call it state-sponsored racism. I didn’t have access to symphony halls. I didn’t have access to art museums. I still remember the library that I went to in order to travel the world through books, was the A. L. Lewis Colored Public Library.
As a young girl, I fell in love with the visual arts, especially African and African-American art. I went off to Fisk University at age 15 and began to see the real works of art for which we only had reproductions in my home. From Fisk, I went to Oberlin, where the Allen Memorial Art Gallery was a special place of solace for me
The opportunity with the Smithsonian wasn’t something I sought; I was asked to apply. My doctorate is in anthropology, not art history, so I was reluctant, but they told me they were looking for a leader, not an art historian. It was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. The work was an almost indescribable joy.
Generally, our museums across America do not reflect who America is, nor do they reflect how our world looks. They need to be far more diverse in terms of their boards, staff, exhibitions, educational programs, and visitorship.
What the African art museum has is a unique opportunity because it can speak to something that binds us together. If one is human, just go back far enough, I mean way back, and we have all come from a single place. It is called Africa.
Here’s a museum that says to its visitors, “No matter who you are, by race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability or disability, or nationality, come to a place where the visual arts connect you to the very cradle of humanity.”
During those eight years when I had the joy of being the director of the National Museum of African Art, I would greet our visitors by saying “Welcome home! Welcome to a place that presents the diverse and dynamic, the exquisite arts of Africa, humanity’s original home.”
Q: Do you think that our education and cultural institutions are properly valued in our society?
I have to say no. Because if we did, we would take better care of them. If we did, we would make sure that not some but all of our educational institutions from kindergarten through post-secondary education, into graduate and professional schools, have the means to do what needs to be done.
If we really value all of our cultural expressions, whether it’s dance or music, visual arts, theater, when there is a budget shortfall, we wouldn’t say, “These are the first things to go.” We wouldn’t say, “Kids can do without music in their public school.” It’s one thing to say we love an institution; it’s another to care for and protect an institution. I think we can do far better.
Online Students
For All Online Programs
International Students
On Campus, need or have Visa
Campus Students
For All Campus Programs
Top 7 Reasons Why College is Important
Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
With more and more careers requiring advanced education, a college degree can be critical to your success in today's workforce. Research indicates that earning a degree can have a significant and expansive impact on your life. It also has the potential to help you positively impact your family — and the world.
Here are 7 reasons why college could be important for you.
Boost Earning Potential*
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that workers with a postsecondary degree typically earn more than those with only a high school education.*
The median weekly earnings — or the middle amount in a set of data — for people with an associate degree was $1,058 per week in 2023, according to BLS.* That's an increase of $159 per week or over $8,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.*
Workers with a bachelor's degree earned a median of $1,493 weekly in 2023, BLS reports — $594 more per week than workers without a postsecondary education and an increase of more than $30,000 per year.*
A master's degree helped workers earn even more at a median of $1,737 per week in 2023, BLS notes. That's $838 more weekly than those with only a high school diploma and almost $43,000 more per year.*
Increase Chances of Employment*
It's not uncommon to see "bachelor's degree required" on job descriptions or listed as a preferred qualification. A 2023 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers ( NACE ) found that, on average, nearly 70% of entry-level jobs list a bachelor's degree requirement.
Both associate and bachelor's degree programs offer a combination of general education courses and specialized learning in a discipline that interests you. With these degrees, you can develop both broad-based and field-specific knowledge.
You may also have a chance to grow important technical and soft skills by participating in experiential learning opportunities, which are hands-on experiences you can translate to the professional world.
Experiential learning takes many forms and may exist both in and out of the classroom. For example, if you're earning a cybersecurity degree, you might join your college's National Cyber League (NCL) team to test your working knowledge of cryptography and other concepts you might encounter while working in a cybersecurity role.
Additional types of experiential learning you might take advantage of in college include project-based assignments that partner with real organizations, internships and student clubs and organizations. You can leverage these valuable experiences on your resume, in your portfolio of work and during job interviews to show employers that you are a competitive candidate.
Earning a college degree could also lead to greater career stability. According to BLS data, 2.2% of workers with a bachelor’s degree faced unemployment in 2023 compared to 3.9% of workers with only a high school diploma.
Expand Your Opportunities
A college degree can be the extra credential you need to land the dream job you've always wanted. Getting your bachelor's degree may also allow you to view your work as a career and not just a job.
A 2016 Pew Research Center report stated that 77% of workers with a post-graduate degree and 60% of workers with a bachelor's degree believe their jobs give them a sense of identity, versus just 39% of those with only a high school diploma or less.
This idea still holds today. The Lumina Foundation and Gallup noted in The State of Higher Education 2024 study that 50% of surveyed undergraduate students cited the pursuit of a more fulfilling career as an important reason why they're earning a degree ( Lumina PDF Source ).
An example of this is Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) graduate Victoria Meuse '22 , who advanced to a teaching position with the help of her bachelor's degree. (Note: Teaching requirements vary by state, district and school.)
Meuse is a military spouse, and during the pandemic and her husband's deployment, she homeschooled her oldest daughter. This experience inspired her to continue teaching, and with a degree, Meuse started a new role at her children's elementary school.
"I love working at my kids' school," she said. "I think that the background in psychology has helped me a lot in understanding the students."
Prepare for the Future
You can also gain practical life skills as a college student. For example, you will need to meet regular assignment deadlines for each class. The discipline and time management strategies you learn along the way can be applied to all aspects of your life, whether you're navigating projects at work or your family's busy schedule.
A college degree can also impact your family members and their futures. For Tarah Theis '22 , earning a bachelor's in communication meant setting an example for her sons.
She said they all want to go to college after seeing their mom do it. "That's the biggest success to me ... starting a legacy and showing them a good path to follow," Theis said.
Since your earning potential is typically greater as a college graduate, your degree may lead toward financial stability for you and your family. Your school's finance counselors can walk you through more than just how to pay for college . With their tips and advice, you may discover helpful budgeting techniques and learn more about financing options and processes that may be relevant to future investments — such as purchasing a car or a home.
Homeowners are increasingly more likely to be college-educated. Point2 , an organization that reports on real estate market trends, analyzed U.S. Census data to find that 70% of homeowners in 2020 had some college education and at least 40% had a bachelor's degree.
Marilynn Hymon-Williams '22 saw her education as a stepping stone to a better future — and a better retirement.
After completing her bachelor's in healthcare administration, she was already thinking about a master's degree. "I'm invested in (the) future because a lot of people think that when you get older, it's over," Hymon-Williams said. "It ain't over. Uh-uh, nope. It's just started."
Build New Relationships
College can be more than just an education; it can be a place you build all types of new relationships. Initially, you may establish a connection with an academic advisor — someone who will be there to support you throughout your college experience, encourage and mentor you for personal success and more.
Faculty — your course instructors — can also provide help with understanding your assignments and what's expected of you as a student.
Once classes begin, you'll be surrounded by peers. Engaging with your peers through activities like group work or class discussions can be a great way to start a professional network and make lasting connections.
When SNHU student Lydia Alonci '18 was offered a full-time position while attending the Grace Hopper Conference, she told her prospective employer that she would only accept the job if they gave her friend from SNHU, Patricia Odani Mukuka '18, '21G , a chance too.
This led to the organization offering Odani Makuka an internship. That experience later turned into a full-time job.
The relationships you build in college can go on to become the foundation of your professional network. And after you graduate, you'll join an alumni community.
An alumni community is full of graduates who can give back in a variety of ways, including through community service, participating in and organizing events and mentoring current students, among other ways. Alumni work in a wide range of fields, and establishing a relationship with others in this network could lead to professional opportunities.
Find Your Program
Achieve your personal goals .
While your degree can have many perks for your professional goals, finishing college can be an important personal goal, as it was for John Reck '22 .
Reck is a 1% survivor of a rare infection called septicemia. He's also suffered a heart attack, been in a coma, undergone 18 surgeries and lost the ability to walk and talk.
"Life goes on around you," he said of his time in the hospital during his health scare. "It's lonely." Once Reck was on the road to recovery, he knew his next goal. After 30 years, he would go back to school — and this time it was for him.
"School came upon me like a bell," Reck said. "I'm going to go finish my degree, and here I am, alive." He now holds his bachelor's in graphic design. In achieving his personal goal, he has also attained a professional one. He secured his dream job as a graphic designer for a Boston law firm.
In a recent survey, 500 people were asked what the greatest benefit was in achieving their degree, and 57% said it was accomplishing a personal goal for themselves.** For first-generation college students , achieving a degree is a major personal goal for themselves and their families.
SNHU graduates Marlene Riley '22 and Michael Riley '18 '22MBA , wife and husband, walked across the stage together. Marlene is an immigrant from Peru, and Michael is a veteran, and both are first-generation college students.
Finishing their degrees was a personal goal they were able to achieve together, and it was even more special sharing the moment at Commencement.
"He is my team, and we did it together," said Marlene.
Make a Difference
Earning your college degree can improve the lives of those around you, too. The College Board's 2023 report on the benefits of higher education for individuals and society reported that college graduates are more likely to volunteer and vote ( College Board PDF Source ).
Some colleges encourage students to give back by organizing volunteer opportunities. SNHU holds an annual community service initiative, Global Days of Service . Approximately 1,500 members of the SNHU community served 239 organizations in 2024.
A former Global Days of Service site leader, Cassi Key '22 , who earned an online English degree from SNHU, was so inspired by her involvement with Global Days of Service that she started an organization focused on planting seeds and promoting environmental education.
Like Key, you might be galvanized to make a difference in the world after graduating from college. Many students learn about topics like social change or environmental sustainability throughout their degrees and go on to make an impact in a number of ways.
A TIME magazine article noted that higher education is rapidly working to improve climate education in many fields, including architecture, economics and law. As a result of this new emphasis on ecology and sustainability in higher education, graduates from various areas of study are now applying their knowledge to improve sustainability practices and address climate change in several sectors.
You can also get a degree focusing on these issues directly. For instance, SNHU offers degrees in environmental science and geosciences with opportunities to prepare for a career in sustainability and conservation.
Higher education can give you the chance to make a difference in other ways, too. You can get a degree in a field that will help you improve people's lives.
Some programs of study focused on helping others are:
- Human services
College can also broaden your horizons by introducing you to a diverse range of perspectives. A chance to engage with other viewpoints can lead you to better understand people who are different from you and situations you have never personally encountered. This may lead to heightened empathy, improve your communication skills and help grow your confidence as you strive to make the world a better place.
A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU online degree that can best help you meet your goals.
*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.
**Survey Methodology: This survey was conducted online within the United States by Kantar on behalf of Southern New Hampshire University in December of 2021. Opinions from 500 general population respondents were obtained using their omnibus survey. For complete survey methodology, please contact Megan Bond at [email protected] .
Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. She started her career working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper in New Hampshire, where she reported on local schools and education policy. Gagnon served as the communications manager for a private school in Boston, MA before later starting her freelance writing career. Today, she continues to share her passion for education as a writer for Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with her on LinkedIn .
Explore more content like this article
Is an Associate Degree Worth It?
How to Be Successful in College: Advice for College Freshmen & Beyond
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree?
About southern new hampshire university.
SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.
IMAGES