A new report makes a convincing argument for why we need free higher education in this country. It compares the cost of college—which has skyrocketed—with the average wage for graduates since 1980, which has completely flatlined. The most stunning thing is these numbers don’t change according to how smart you are.  “The evidence of our failure to help all youth make the long journey from early childhood to adult economic independence is plain. In the trajectory from kindergarten to a good job, the most talented disadvantaged youth do not fare nearly as well as the least talented advantaged youth,” reads the report. “It is far better to be born rich and white than smart and poor in America.” The cost of college has increased by 169% in the past 40 years, while wages for young grads have only increased by 19%, according to data from the U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Center for Education Statistics.  Read more