Presenting the Debate on College Tuition

Planet Money took on the issue of undergraduate tuition in their latest podcast, and they give the debate a pretty evenhanded treatment.

College is expensive these days. Yet, most universities argue an undergraduate education is actually worth much more than what students pay for it. Clearly there is an emotional logic to this argument. But what do the numbers tell us?

In today's episode, Planet Money takes a behind the scenes look at Duke's costs and considers the university's case that $60,000 a year is actually a discount.

They give the people at Duke a chance to explain the sticker price of tuition at elite schools, and they present the arguments of those who cry foul when they hear such explanations.

If you're one to jump into this debate when it comes up (and boy, does it come up often), then the episode is worth a listen.