It Turns Out

Is College Worth It? (Plus, waitlists and marriage markets)

May 15, 2026·40 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Is a college degree actually worth it, or do universities simply accept students who were already destined for success?Using a clever natural experiment - in an era when lots more folks doubt the usefulness of a college degree - University of Chicago economist Jack Mountjoy tries to figure out whether college really pays off. And for who?Plus, how does your life change when you get off a waiting list from an elite college? And how are your marriage prospects altered depending on your major?Subscribe to our Substack!Did you know you can also watch the show? Subscribe to the show on YouTube!

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