A college degree generally represents a large delta in lifetime earnings (even when fed into a net present value calculation) over not having a degree. It’s a significant advantage in relative terms.

But recent grads still feel disappointed (and perhaps feel deceived) because they were told that it was a ticket towards a comfortable financial position in absolute terms.

And college costs have soared so that a larger percentage of that delta is captured by someone else, and the return on investment is lower on average and slightly riskier.