With student loan debt reaching $1 trillion and nearly $239 billion given in loans last year alone, the documentary “Ivory Tower” (CNN, 9 and 11 p.m.) asks once more whether going to college is actually worth it. The film, directed by Andrew Rossi and Kate Novack, which premiered at Sundance, is the latest documentary acquisition by the news channel.
With a lively pace and animated explanations, it takes a look at a variety of public and private schools, closing with the battle to New York City’s Cooper Union tuition free.
“Party Down South 2” (CMT, 9 p.m.) is the latest iteration of a dim culture bereft of college material. The new crew of eight senselessly drunk Southerners are based in Biloxi. They are different from the ones in the original “Party Down South” that returns March 30. Both are remnants of the “Jersey Shore” school who haven’t been told the world has moved on.
This is weird: President Barack Obama’s Speech on Immigration Reform (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Univision, 8 p.m.) is likely to be one of his most important, but for the first time in memory none of the English speaking broadcast networks will be carrying the 15 minute address. What’s more important to them? The season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 8 p.m.); and episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.), “Bones” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and “The Biggest Loser” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
The address may provide extra reason to celebrate, though, when it kicks off The 15th Annual Latin Grammys (Univision, 8:15 p.m.) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas where performers include Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Camila, Carlos Santana with Pitbull, Chris Brown and Calle 13, which has the most nominations. In addition, Joan Manuel Serrat will receive the 2014 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year award. Red carpet reports begins at 7 p.m.
The latest focus of scrutiny on “Gracepoint” (Fox, 9 p.m.) is chain smoking Susan Wright (but not her dog?). Fox announced this week it would make an American version of another well regarded British drama, “Luther.”
Talk about cases revealed slowly, how about “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC, 10 p.m.)? It has its midseason finale tonight with a flashback to exactly how professor Sam Keating died.
Designers must be inspired by their relationships on tonight’s “Project Runway All Stars” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
TV’s most clever illusionist is back with “The Carbonaro Effect” (TruTV, 10 p.m.).
It’s hard to believe, in part two of the “Secrets Revealed” on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (Bravo, 8 p.m.) that there would be any more secrets.
Chambers’ Academy has an open house and there’s a family quarrel of some sort on “Parenthood” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
The actor Rod Taylor gets the spotlight on Turner Classic Movies with “The Birds” (8 p.m.), “The Time Machine” (10:15 p.m.), “Dark of the Sun” (12:15 a.m.), “Sunday in New York” (2:15 a.m.) and “Hotel” (4:15 a.m.).
There’s a ton of college basketball today, mostly from tournaments with Texas A&M vs. Dayton (ESPNU, 10:30 a.m.), College of Charleston vs. Connecticut (ESPNU, 12:30 p.m.), Drexel vs. Miami (ESPNU, 3 p.m.), New Mexico vs. Boston College (ESPN2, 5 p.m.), Penn State vs. Charlotte (ESPNU, 5 p.m.), Texas vs. Iowa (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), George Mason vs. West Virginia (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.), Bucknell at Villanova (CBS Sports Network) and Syracuse vs. California (ESPN2, 9 p.m.).
In college football, it’s Kansas State at West Virginia (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), North Carolina at Duke (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.) and Arkansas State at Texas State (ESPNU, 9:30 p.m.).
Thursday night football has Kansas City at Oakland (NFL, 8:25 p.m.).
In pro basketball, it’s Clippers at Miami (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Chicago at Sacramento (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Hocky action includes Minnesota at Philadelphia (NHL, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Mark Ruffalo, Kristin Chenoweth. The View: Mayim Bialik, Aaron Sorkin. The Talk: Andy Cohen, Allie LaForce, Jeff Mauro. Ellen DeGeneres: Jason Sudeikis, Jose Andres. Wendy Williams: Whitney Cummings, Dr. Gadget. Queen Latifah: Timothy Snell.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Meryl Streep, Jessye Norman. Jimmy Fallon: Mark Ruffalo, Stephen Merchant, Anthony Kiedis. Jimmy Kimmel: One Direction, Tom Verica, Jessie J. Seth Meyers: Russell Brand, Mayim Bailik, Fahim Anwar. Craig Ferguson: Matthew McConaughey, Frank Nicotero, Metallica. Carson Daly: Daniel Cerone, David S. Goyer, La Sera, Mike Lawrence. Tavis Smiley: Lisa Kudrow. Jon Stewart: Eddie Redmayne. Stephen Colbert: Jon Stewart. Conan O’Brien: Jason Bateman, Andy Cohen, Cold War Kids.