Your College Degree: More Valuable Than Ever or Completely Worthless?

A college diploma has now become the minimum requirement for many entry-level jobs, even in career tracks that did not require any formal education years ago. Wages have steadily declined for high school graduates and not budged much for college graduates.

The Current State of College Degrees

A college degree has become:

• More necessary to obtain a job
• Less valuable as a differentiator
• More expensive to obtain
• Less likely to guarantee employment in your field

The Paradox

• More people have degrees than ever before
• Degrees are required for more jobs than ever
• Yet degrees are less valuable as indicators of special skills
• Many graduates are underemployed

The Changing Value of a Degree

Historical Context

In years past:

• The rarity of a college degree made employers take notice
• A degree was a clear indicator of qualification
• Fewer people had degrees

Current Reality

Today:

• Roughly a third of working adults in the U.S. have a degree
• Degrees are no longer rare
• Not always an indicator of student success
• Employers are more selective
• Entry-level workers are expected to do more

The Job Market

As the country emerges from recession:

• Jobs in many areas are still scarce
• Liberal arts graduates face particular challenges
• Employers show less trust in degree value
• Students study less but have higher GPAs
• GPA is less valued by employers

Measuring College Value

This is not to say that people should not go to college, or that higher education is only about money. Many students are passionate about:

• Digging deeper into specific subjects
• Exploring their interests
• Personal growth and development

However, all students should consider:

• Total cost of their degree
• Expected return on investment
• Debt repayment timeline
• Career prospects in their field

Alternative Paths

Not everyone needs or wants a four-year degree. Consider:

• Associate’s degrees
• Technical training
• Trade schools
• Apprenticeships

High School Graduates

Many high school graduates do well without college:

• Median income comparable to lowest 25th percentile of college graduates
• Some high-paying jobs don’t require degrees
• Example: Air Traffic Controller (median salary $122,000/year)

The Future of Higher Education

Students must be smarter about:

• Where they obtain their education
• How they finance it
• What they do with it

What Matters Most

Success depends on:

• Relevant skills
• Real-world experience
• Drive and determination
• Not just a piece of paper

The Role of Experience

Employers value:

• Real-world experience
• Relevant internships
• Practical skills
• Over academic credentials

Ready to graduate with a college degree that will pay you back?