Changemakers 07: President Santa Ono on the Cost and Value of a Degree

President Santa Ono (3/4)

The value of a traditional college degree has come heavily under fire. It is a raging debate, not only in America but around the world. Affordability is at the center of this discussion as enrollment declines and alternative credentialing models emerge. This all raises the question: What is the value of a degree?

According to President Santa Ono of the University of British Columbia, there is much value, though it is mostly in the things not related to classes. The opportunity to socialize, become activists, and simply grow as human beings still hold immense value for today’s students.

Still, they won’t pay any price for it, nor should they have to. The privileges of being a college student should not only be for the privileged.

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President Ono is a president of a Canadian school and a former president of a U.S. school which brings an enlightening perspective to the conversation around global education. President Ono was the 28th President of the University of Cincinnati and today, he is the 15th President of the University of British Columbia.