Since 2004, college tuition has increased nearly 60% (tuition by industry and state over time 2013). College is becoming more and more expensive while finding a job is becoming more and more difficult. Some people are starting to feel like college isn't worth the cost. With the way the economy and job market are changing, some degrees may not be as useful as others. I plan to major in computer engineering and programming at Texas A&M, UT Austin, or UT Arlington. When you look at tuition, costs versus benefits, and opportunity costs, I'm lucky. With rising tuition, the cost of college is very expensive and not everyone can afford it. For the schools I want to attend, the tuition isn't crazy, but it's not cheap either. For A&M, tuition plus other fees, room and board, books, etc. is $21,581, for UT Austin it is $26,148, for UT Arlington it is $22,508 (University Costs - 2013-2014 - All Institutions 2013). The cost of colleges isn't cheap, but I can probably get by with financial aid. My brother currently attends UT Arlington and almost all of his schooling is paid for by financial aid and grants. The financial aid I receive should be a similar amount and I am also applying for many scholarships that my brother did not get. If I can go to college without paying a lot, I will have a great cost/benefit ratio. The cost/benefit ratio is significantly in my favor. I wouldn't have to pay much to attend college whereas if I get the degree I want and get a job I will be paid around $103,980 per year (Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 - 17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers 2012). The demand for software engineers is high, so finding a job will not be as difficult as others might be. The cost... half the paper... esDaw, Emily. What is the opportunity cost of college?. wiseGEEK. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-opportunity-cost-of-college.htmHoltom, Brooks C. & Brummel, Tony, College is worth the cost. Bloomberg Business Week. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2010/03/college_is_worth_the cost. html(nd). University expenses - 2013-2014 - All institutions. Colleges for all of Texas. Retrieved from http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/collegecosts.cfm(nd). Employment and Professional Salaries, May 2012 - 17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172061.htm(nd). Tuition and fees by industry and state over time. University Council. Retrieved from http://trends.collegeboard.org/college-pricing/figures-tables/tuition-and-fees-sector-and-state-over-time