Over the past decade, public sentiment toward college has shifted dramatically. In 2015, a Gallup poll found that 57% of Americans had “very” or “fairly” high confidence in higher education. By last year, that figure had plummeted to 36%, according to Gallup. Similarly, a Pew Research Center survey revealed that 49% of Americans believe a college degree is less important than it was 20 years ago, while only 32% say it’s more valuable.
This change in perception has had a tangible impact. From 2010 to 2021 (the most recent data available), college enrollment in the U.S. dropped by 15%—a seemingly modest decline that translates to 2.7 million fewer students. The peak of U.S. college enrollment was in 2011, when a degree was widely seen as a prerequisite for a high-paying job. Today’s high school graduates, however, have more options, which I believe is a positive development. Many well-paying jobs no longer require a degree, and blue-collar work has gained respect. According to a survey, 70% of white-collar workers say blue-collar jobs are more respected now than a decade ago, and over 90% of blue-collar workers take pride in their roles.
While multiple paths to economic success exist, I believe the pendulum has swung too far against college. For many, higher education remains not only worthwhile but also more valuable than ever, despite shifting attitudes.
The growing skepticism is understandable. For decades, tuition costs have outpaced inflation, and with them, student loan debt has soared. When you picture a “recent college graduate,” what comes to mind? A successful professional or a struggling barista? For many Americans, the latter image dominates, with “college graduate” becoming synonymous with “financially burdened young adult.”
Why this perception? I attribute it to the decline of thoughtful journalism and the rise of clickbait headlines. You rarely see stories like “Data Shows Most College Graduates Thrive” or “Lauren, 22, Graduates Nearly Debt-Free with a Great Job.” Instead, sensational headlines dominate: “Woman Dreams of Nursing but Faces $110,000 in Debt” or “Why Today’s Graduates Are Struggling.” These narratives shape public perception, overshadowing the broader reality.
If you look past the headlines, college is often a smart investment. In recent years, inflation-adjusted tuition costs have actually declined. In real dollars, attending college in 2025 is cheaper than when I enrolled in 2011. And if you think lower tuition reflects a drop in earning potential for graduates, think again. Historically, college graduates have outearned non-graduates, and this gap is widening.
For young workers aged 22–27, the numbers tell a clear story:
The evidence is compelling: on average, a college degree remains a sound financial decision. While alternative paths to success exist, dismissing higher education outright ignores its proven value.
2025-09-29T14:40:00
Over the past decade, public sentiment toward college has shifted dramatically. In 2015, a Gallup poll found that 57% of Americans had “very” or “fairly” high confidence in higher education. By last year, that figure had plummeted to 36%, according to Gallup. Similarly, a Pew Research Center survey revealed that 49% of Americans believe a college degree is less important than it was 20 years ago, while only 32% say it’s more valuable.
This change in perception has had a tangible impact. From 2010 to 2021 (the most recent data available), college enrollment in the U.S. dropped by 15%—a seemingly modest decline that translates to 2.7 million fewer students. The peak of U.S. college enrollment was in 2011, when a degree was widely seen as a prerequisite for a high-paying job. Today’s high school graduates, however, have more options, which I believe is a positive development. Many well-paying jobs no longer require a degree, and blue-collar work has gained respect. According to a survey, 70% of white-collar workers say blue-collar jobs are more respected now than a decade ago, and over 90% of blue-collar workers take pride in their roles.
While multiple paths to economic success exist, I believe the pendulum has swung too far against college. For many, higher education remains not only worthwhile but also more valuable than ever, despite shifting attitudes.
The growing skepticism is understandable. For decades, tuition costs have outpaced inflation, and with them, student loan debt has soared. When you picture a “recent college graduate,” what comes to mind? A successful professional or a struggling barista? For many Americans, the latter image dominates, with “college graduate” becoming synonymous with “financially burdened young adult.”
Why this perception? I attribute it to the decline of thoughtful journalism and the rise of clickbait headlines. You rarely see stories like “Data Shows Most College Graduates Thrive” or “Lauren, 22, Graduates Nearly Debt-Free with a Great Job.” Instead, sensational headlines dominate: “Woman Dreams of Nursing but Faces $110,000 in Debt” or “Why Today’s Graduates Are Struggling.” These narratives shape public perception, overshadowing the broader reality.
If you look past the headlines, college is often a smart investment. In recent years, inflation-adjusted tuition costs have actually declined. In real dollars, attending college in 2025 is cheaper than when I enrolled in 2011. And if you think lower tuition reflects a drop in earning potential for graduates, think again. Historically, college graduates have outearned non-graduates, and this gap is widening.
For young workers aged 22–27, the numbers tell a clear story:
The evidence is compelling: on average, a college degree remains a sound financial decision. While alternative paths to success exist, dismissing higher education outright ignores its proven value.