Is College the Biggest SCAM in America?

In this episode, we tackle a provocative question that would have been considered heresy a generation ago: Has college become the biggest scam in America? Drawing on two essays written more than a decade apart, we examine the argument that higher education has transformed from a pathway to opportunity into a sprawling credentialing industry. The discussion explores how employers increasingly demand degrees for jobs that may not require them, how easy access to student loans has fueled skyrocketing tuition costs, and whether universities are delivering enough value to justify the financial burden placed on students.At the heart of the conversation is a debate over whether America has confused education with credentials. We explore the claim that college still makes sense for certain professions, but that the blanket message that everyone must earn a four-year degree has left millions burdened with debt and uncertain career prospects. Along the way, we consider alternatives such as trade schools, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and self-directed learning, while asking a broader question: Is the modern university preparing students for success, or has it become an institution that primarily benefits itself?