Million Dollar Degree

A student's decision on where to go to college is deeply personal. Families need to be mindful of their student's individual needs while navigating the application process during a time of great change within higher education. Multiple factors must be considered, including the value of a college degree, what it costs, and what individual students seek to gain from their college experience. Not all costs and benefits are monetary, of course. The arrival of COVID accelerated many college admission trends that were already beginning to emerge, including the declining use of standardized tests like the SAT and ACT and the increasing acceptance of early-decision students to fill classes. How will these trends play out for the next generation of college students?College admissions expert Billy Downing has coached students and families through the application process for nearly 20 years. Million Dollar Degree offers practical, actionable information so readers can make informed decisions on the strategies that will work best for them. Downing also offers insight into the broader landscape of higher education. He examines the societal conversation about the true value of college, predicts a move by some schools to higher-cost degrees, and discusses the responsibility we all share to ensure college remains attainable for all.