College is increasingly unaffordable for everyone that is not independently wealthy, outpacing inflation every year since the early 1970s  This year the average cost of tuition at a private, four-year university is more than $31, 000 per year  In 1971, tuition cost less than $2, 000, even after adjusting for inflation  The trend is similar at public, four-year institutions  Fortunately, with the advent of the Internet, independent learning is easier than ever before  Students can learn hard skills online for relatively minimal costs, like coding and web design  Online courses can also replicate a traditional college education, with options such as math, science, and liberal arts courses
As a result, high school students would be wise to weigh their options before choosing to attend a traditional four-y ear college
Employers increasingly value work experience and self-starters more than formal education.