Is college worth it anymore? Here’s what a new survey and some Modesto students say
For generations, students headed to college with hopes of finding an education and degree that would lead to a fulfilling career. Today, though, research finds Americans have less confidence in the value of higher ed as they struggle to find good-paying jobs they believed were guaranteed by taking this path.
A survey conducted by Intelligent.com found 27% of Americans believe college isn’t worth it. Among 18- to 25-year-olds, 26% say college isn’t worth it, compared to 29% of 26- to 35-year-olds and 30% of 36- to 45-year-olds, 27% of 46- to 55 year-olds, and 29% of those over 55.
Reasons cited include the price of higher education and the feelings that it doesn’t improve job prospects and that what is taught isn’t valuable.
The survey report cites a recent New York Times article on Americans’ declining faith in the value of college and recent polls showing that Americans’ opinions of higher education have dropped over the past decade.
Modesto Junior College students have mixed reactions to this survey.
Imane Kadri, an international student, said there are other ways to make money outside of going to college. She said it’s expensive and the time you spend will not guarantee a job right after graduation.
“We are going to college so that we can earn money, we are building our futures, but now, there are a lot of things we can do, so it’s not really worth it anymore,” Kadri said.
A survey by the Century Foundation last month found California borrowers owed around $37,000 — the third highest in the country — with parents, graduate students and Black borrowers facing the highest student debts.
“Despite the high price of college for most people, a degree does pay off — and an advanced degree can double your lifetime earnings,” Ithaca College professor and higher education adviser Diane Gayeski said in the survey report. “It is not just what is learned in class that prepares you for a specific job. The college experience includes exposure to new kinds of people and places.”
MJC student Denise Zaragoza said she has two friends who took different paths and both ended up successful. She said one friend decided college wasn’t for her two years into her studies and dropped out, but ended up working at Amazon and can now afford her own apartment. Her other friend stayed in college and found a high-paying job once she graduated and now has her own business.
“College isn’t for everyone, and for some people, college is for them. It always depends on the person,” Zaragoza said.
