A recent Indeed study reveals growing skepticism among Gen Z and Is a College Degree Losing Its Value? Gen Z and Millennials Question Its Worth as AI Reshapes the Job Market. The study, which surveyed 1,500 U.S. workers and job seekers, found that 40% of younger workers believe a degree is no longer a guaranteed path to career success. Rising tuition costs, ballooning student debt, and rapid technological advancements are fueling this shift in perception.
The average cost of a four-year degree has skyrocketed, with public college tuition rising 180% since 1990, outpacing inflation. Meanwhile, entry-level roles increasingly prioritize skills over credentials, and AI is automating tasks once reserved for degree-holders. For instance, coding bootcamps and online certifications are gaining traction as faster, cheaper alternatives, with 60% of Gen Z workers considering non-traditional paths to employment.
However, the study notes that degrees still hold value in certain fields like healthcare and engineering, where specialized training is non-negotiable. Employers also report that soft skills, often honed in college, remain critical. Yet, with 70% of Millennials feeling their degrees haven’t delivered the promised ROI, the narrative is shifting. Workers are demanding more flexible, affordable education models that align with an AI-driven economy.
As AI continues to disrupt industries, the debate over the worth of a college degree intensifies. For younger generations, the question isn’t just about cost—it’s about whether traditional education can keep pace with a future where adaptability and skills reign supreme.
