I agree that there is a large value difference in an (engineering) degree compared to an (arts) degree. I'm not sure how many people with the latter come out ahead value wise. I also don't think I would argue any value for higher level degrees or multiple degrees in most cases. For what it's worth, my parents were mostly broke at that point - I'm the oldest of five and my dad is a carpenter, this was during the 2009-2012 timeframe. I also was (co-)raising a newborn.