A Nexford University survey found roughly one in three graduates say their degree wasn’t financially worthwhile; many report large student-loan balances and delayed milestones like home purchases and retirement savings. Separately, analysts warn that years of declining household economic wellbeing have left many Americans more exposed to persistent affordability pressures than headline metrics suggest. The twin findings sharpen pressure on colleges to demonstrate clear ROI, tighten career-path pipelines and revisit tuition, financial aid, and credentialing strategies. Institutions facing enrollment softness must make outcomes and upskilling pathways central to student recruitment and alumni engagement.