Since 2004, tuition costs have increased by almost 60% (Tuition and Fees 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 start to think that college isn't worth the cost. Given changes in the economy and job market, 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 tuition, costs versus benefits, and opportunity cost are analyzed, I'm lucky. With the increase in tuition fees, the cost of college education is very expensive and not everyone can afford it. For the schools I want to attend, the tuition isn't too crazy, but not cheap. 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 (Costs universities - 2013-2014 - All institutions 2013). The cost of college isn't cheap, but I can probably get by with financial aid. My brother currently attends UT Arlington and almost his entire school is funded 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 attend college without paying a lot for it, I will have a very good cost/benefit ratio. The cost/benefit is greatly in my favor. I shouldn't have to pay much to attend college, while if I get my desired degree and find a job, I will be paid about $103,980 per year (Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 - 17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers 2012). The demand for computer engineers is high, so finding a job won't be as difficult as others. The cost...... middle of 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). College Costs – 2013-2014 – All Institutions. College for All Texas. Retrieved from http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/collegecosts.cfm(nd). Professional employment and 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. College Council. Retrieved from http://trends.collegeboard.org/college-pricing/figures-tables/tuition-and-fees-sector-and-state-over-time