How Americans Are Handling the Cost of College

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  September 04, 2026 at 18:24  |  5:07  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Unnamed Speaker — Cross Asset Strategist, Bloomberg MLIV
Unnamed Student — Student
Unnamed Parent — Parent

Summary

Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu visits SUNY Purchase to explore how families and students are managing rising college costs. The university president argues a four-year degree is worth completing and says affordability is driving more families toward public higher education. Students and parents describe using loans, RA housing, side fundraising, and savings to limit debt. No clear tradeable investment ideas emerge from the discussion.

  • Four-year college costs remain high, averaging about $60K private and $26K public.
  • SUNY Purchase president says completing a degree improves job-market outcomes and life outcomes.
  • President highlights rising enrollment in public higher education as families weigh affordability.
  • Debt is a key consideration, with SUNY Purchase student debt typically under $25,000.
  • Students and parents discuss loans, RA free housing, personal fundraising, and education savings.
  • No explicit securities, assets, or investable market theses are presented.
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