A Summary of the Re-evaluation of the College Degree

For many adolescents, one thing looms over their entire high school and upper educational experience: college. The idea of moving away from home and starting the rest of one’s life journey brings mixed emotions. Before reaching that stage, though, adolescents must climb many figurative mountains to accomplish their goals. This process—the college application process— shapes one’s adolescent experience; however, it also raises the question: Is a college degree truly worth it? Society highlights the benefits of a college degree while downplaying its downsides. Why is that? Overall, when deciding whether to attend college, various factors come into play. This summary supports a new story and examines the underlying issues and confusion around college degrees.

The term “return on investment” (ROI) applies to many situations, including college. In summary, ROI “...is a metric that can tell you how profitable or unprofitable an investment has been for you,” according to Fidelity Investments. While the term is usually seen through a financial lens, it can apply to the college experience, as adolescents and young adults weigh gains and losses of attending college. The biggest outward loss people weigh is whether their degree will guarantee a more prosperous job. This conflict has become more apparent in recent years, as college graduates share stories of unemployment and lack of career preparation. Cengage’s 2026 Graduate Employability Report puts this into perspective, sharing that “Just over half of graduates describe finding a degree-related job as very or extremely challenging (52%) and have chosen not to apply to entry-level jobs in their field because they felt underqualified (53%).” This gives students a challenging outlook on a college degree, as they could enter the workforce immediately after high school. By choosing this path, people can stay in a more comfortable, sustainable career; however, these careers sometimes offer less income and benefits over time.

Beyond employment, students also weigh the financial losses a degree may entail. For perspective, these are the current averages: in-state public four-year college, $30,990 per year; out-of-state public four-year, $50,920 per year; and private nonprofit four-year, $65,470 per year. If these prices were not enough, a statistic from the Education Data Initiative states, “In the last three (3) years, the average annual cost of tuition at a public 4-year college has increased at an average annual rate of 3.21%.” Together, these tuition costs challenge many adolescents entering college. In many circumstances, a college may be out of budget and require student loans. These loans do not disappear after graduation; they can create long-term debt that takes years to repay. High prices and uncertain employment deter adolescents from choosing the college pathway and can create a problematic relationship with the college experience. 

Before someone even turns 18, their college experience begins. This early relationship with something that defines a majority of one’s life can intimidate adolescents. From this duress, adolescents may form various perspectives on college. For starters, many adolescents do not understand what they want to dedicate their life to at 18. The PEW Research Center corroborates this claim, stating that “About one-in-five teens (18%) are unsure of their plans” after high school. This hesitancy, combined with the vast range of options adolescents have, from degrees to schools, can make the process overwhelming. In some instances, this elaborate mix of options can elevate anxiety and create decision fatigue in adolescents.

Furthermore, many adolescents are led to believe that college is the only option after high school. Like other factors, this can be beneficial and detrimental. For those who pursue college, it provides structured guidance throughout the difficult journey. On the other hand, people who steer clear of college struggle; they experience less support and more societal pressure. K-12 Dive supports this idea, showing that “only 44% of districts are providing as much support for alternative pathways as college degrees.” So, when someone chooses a different route, their resources are limited and their process undermined. This can create confusion and disorientation among adolescents, which can debilitate their necessary decision-making during this fast-paced time.

This summary could continue for a long time. There are many reasons to re-evaluate the college degree. It is a very personal decision for adolescents, one made with careful consideration. Sadly, conventional opinions on college can outweigh one’s own, seriously limiting adolescents. So, what is the solution? Currently, there is no clear, unanimous agreement; however, understanding that other pathways exist is a step in the right direction. For all adolescents, advocating for oneself proves beneficial, and while it takes courage, the outcome can be worth it.