Is A Bachelor's Degree Really Worth The Cost [Infographic]?

As the cost of higher education has escalated in recent years, there's been no shortage of debate about whether the cost of a four-year college degree is worth the expense -- especially given the current sluggish labor market.

The average cost for in-state tuition and fees at four-year public colleges averages $8,244 for the 2011-12 school year, 8.3 percent more than last year, according to a recently released report by the College Board. Tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose by 4.5 percent to an average $28,500 for the 2011-12 school year.