Higher Education: Why, How,
and for Whom?
Thinking clearly about college, money, and the policies that shape both.
The answer depends on the student, the school, the program, and the price.
This course explores how to evaluate higher education and the policies that shape it. Learn how government subsidies and student loans influence prices and incentives, and examine whether funding should go to institutions or follow students.
Discover why the question isn’t simply “Is college worth it?” but “Is this program, at this price, worth it for me?”
Is higher education worth it? Ask the right questions.
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Chapter One
Challenging the common advice to "just go to college."Chapter Two
Four major arguments for subsidizing higher education and then taking a look at the evidence associated with each.Chapter Three
Examine the Bennett Hypothesis: the possibility that colleges capture government aid by raising prices.
A government subsidy lowers the apparent price of education but does not eliminate its underlying cost. Instead, the cost is shifted to taxpayers or future borrowers.Cultivating a habit of testing conclusions against future evidence rather than treating any single policy position as final.
Test the claim that state disinvestment caused rising public college tuition. Cato researchers examine state funding and tuition from 1980 through 2025 using the State Higher Education Finance data also cited by disinvestment advocates.
Who should lend to students, and at what price?What You’ll Discover
This Cato Course provides a clear, evidence-based explanation of how college costs, government subsidies, and student lending interact and why those choices have long-term consequences.
Higher education shapes the futures of millions of Americans, yet its costs and benefits are often misunderstood. This course will help you develop tools to evaluate college choices and policy claims calmly, clearly, and confidently.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Explain how government subsidies and student lending shape college costs and incentives;
Identify the differences between sticker price, net price, and a program’s return on investment;
Evaluate competing claims about college affordability, funding, and reform; and
Understand how to compare educational paths using earnings, debt, and program outcomes.
In under an hour, you’ll gain a clear understanding of higher education in America and why smarter choices about college and public policy matter for students, taxpayers, and future generations.
Who this course is for:
Students and Young Professionals interested in higher education and libertarian thought.
Liberty-Minded Activists looking for intellectual ammunition for advocacy.
Lifelong Learners and Cato Partners engaging more deeply with Cato’s resources.
Requirements
No background is needed. This Cato Course is for anyone eager to learn.
Course FAQs
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How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you will have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own.
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This online course is available at no cost thanks to Cato Institute Partners who champion innovation, freedom, and prosperity.
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The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course—you decide when you start and when you finish.
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Yes! This course is designed for young minds, but it’s open to anyone eager to learn. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to sharpen your skills, you will find valuable insights here.
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Everything you need is provided within the course, but having a notebook and an open mind is always a plus!