The Big Story Is post-secondary education still worth the time and money?
Sep 19, 2025
Robert Furtado, CEO of CourseCompare and creator of the Return on Education index, delves into the uncertainty surrounding post-secondary education in Canada. He shares insights from a recent survey revealing that nearly half of Gen Z feels confused about the value of a degree. Furtado discusses which programs yield the best financial returns and debunks common myths about degrees versus diplomas. They also explore how to adapt to a changing job landscape, including the importance of lifelong learning and skills that withstand AI advancements.
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Degree Value Depends On Field
- Not all degrees deliver the same payoff; return depends on field not format.
- Graduates overwhelmingly report their education was worthwhile despite public uncertainty.
Compare Programs By Clear Metrics
- Compare programs by tuition, debt, program length, and early-career earnings to judge payback speed.
- Use standardized metrics like ROE to see which programs beat the national average.
Diplomas Can Outperform Degrees
- Many hands-on diplomas beat some degrees on quick return because of low tuition and fast entry into work.
- Trades and healthcare diplomas often deliver faster break-even timelines.
