Shelling out big bucks to go to grad school or pursue other training has become more of a gamble than before the recession.
More than a third of Americans between ages 25 and 34 claim they have delayed either starting their education or going back to school because of the current economy.
That's certainly not surprising, given tuition increases have far outpaced income gains over the last few years. That said, rising tuition is just one factor.
"One, the cost is really expensive for young people," Draut said. "But two, if they have a job, they're probably unlikely to get rid of that job to pursue schooling. Three, there's a general unease about what is going to happen."
While a higher education is still likely to increase a person's income over their lifespan, many students are finding out there's no guarantee that a job will be waiting for them immediately after graduation. And even those who do find jobs may take decades to pay off student debt, finding it harder to buy a home or support a family in their early years.
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