A graduate says he paid too much for tuition, and the Supreme Court listens

The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the case of Francisco Espinosa, a Phoenix-based airline employee who went after student-loan creditors after learning that his high-priced education didn't translate into a high-paying job.

On the surface, the case revolves around a federal law that makes it illegal to wipe out student-loan debt through bankruptcy. But Espinosa's situation fundamentally highlights the sprawling education business, which encourages students to pay a premium price for degrees that no longer translate into premium earning power.