Even in 1900.

Time Money reports.

Is College Worth It? How One U.S. President Tried to Settle the Question

Whether a college education is worth the money, time, and effort is a subject of hot debate these days. But the question is hardly a new one. In fact, it has flared up repeatedly throughout American history, especially in periods of economic woe.

Even in 1900, it was so much on the public mind that The Saturday Evening Post called on former President Grover Cleveland to settle the question once and for all.

His essay “Does a College Education Pay?,” though rather long-winded and ornately written by current standards, ultimately comes down on the side of yes.

As he makes his case, Cleveland first looks at the naysayers and their motives.

One group, he says, consists of people with “a kind of sullen, sodden hatred of all education above the lowest and most rudimentary variety.” He suggests just ignoring them.