Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Higher education graduation in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
Home to a great number of universities and colleges, many of which feature at the top of global academic rankings, the United States boasts a wide range of public and private institutions from which students earn over four million higher education degrees annually. Although there is limited federal government influence over higher education, U.S. states and territories have the authority to fund and operate public colleges and universities. Private universities, funded by private donors and endowments, are also common, although they tend to be more expensive compared to state schools. In recent years, however, the affordability of all higher education institutions in the U.S. has come under criticism due to increasing tuition fees and student debt, fueling debates on whether an American higher education is really worth the price. Yet, in today’s society, higher education is often considered essential to earning a higher income and having a successful career in the future. On one hand, those who have obtained a postgraduate degree tend to earn more than an individual with just a high school diploma. On the other hand, high student debt may mean that a fair share of postgraduates' income is spent on paying off their education.
