A Prestigious Degree Doesn't Always Equal Success.

The article explores how the value of a college education is determined. Several factors that contribute to the success of students after graduation are considered in this context. These include their qualifications before they enter college, their access to faculty, and the income of their parents. It is reported that the percentage of students with Ivy League educations that go on to pursue their Ph.Ds or run large corporations is not greater than those who attend less prestigious universities. Several problems with the methods used to determine the value of a college education, especially with regard to the categorization of students who take non-traditional approaches to pursuing their educations, are noted.