Poll Reveals Growing Doubts Among U.S. Workers About the Value of College Degrees
A CNBC poll indicates that a significant 86% of U.S. workers with college debt are questioning the value of their degrees in light of the financial burdens they face. This shift in perspective reflects changing attitudes toward higher education, as rising tuition costs and increasing loan debt contribute to a widening gap between perceived benefits and actual outcomes. Many respondents report that their debt is hindering important life milestones, such as purchasing a home or saving for retirement.
With average student loan debt exceeding $30,000 for a four-year degree—and even higher for certain fields—an increasing number of high school students are considering alternative educational routes, such as trade schools and on-the-job training, which typically involve lower costs and provide a more direct path to employment.