As tuition fees soar and the job market evolves, the true value of a college degree has sparked intense debate. Proponents argue that a degree offers a necessary ticket to entry for many high-paying jobs and that college serves as a period for exploration and personal growth. On the other hand, critics point to the staggering financial burden and availability of alternative paths to success, raising the question: Are college degrees still worth it?
Alexandra: First and foremost, attending college is a significant privilege that remains out of reach for many. While many aspire to pursue higher education, some lack the financial literacy needed to navigate the complexities of applying for financial aid. Some schools have generous need-blind financial aid programs that consider college applications without the applicant’s financial situation; however, this is not the case for every institution.
Proponents argue that if given the opportunity, attending college is invaluable, as it unlocks access to a wide array of career opportunities and long-term success. According to the Burning Glass Institute, nearly half of the jobs in the U.S. require at least a bachelor’s degree. Pursuing higher education not only provides students with an extensive choice of jobs after graduation but also makes it easier to transition between careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate of college graduates was approximately 2%, while those without a degree was more than double that at 4.5%.
Not only does attending college provide more job opportunities, the acquired jobs also, on average, pay a higher salary. The U.S. Social Security Administration states that men and women with a college degree earn $900,000 on average and $630,000 more in lifetime earnings, respectively, than high school graduates. In 2024, the median income for college graduates was 50% higher than that of those only holding a high school diploma.
Moreover, college is an excellent time for developing personal interests outside of the professional world. Earning a college degree allows students to explore their interests, engage in intellectual discussions, and exchange ideas with peers and professors. Having the opportunity to directly engage with professors who are experts in their fields provides a unique chance to participate in innovative research and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Liberal arts studies, in particular, offer a holistic perspective by exposing students to various departments and disciplines by engaging students from varying backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences. Through this academic breadth, students can develop invaluable qualities such as personal growth and increased self-esteem. Colleges often encourage students to explore fields they may not have considered if they had entered the workforce immediately after high school. While these courses may not directly align with immediate career goals, the additional knowledge gained can lead to unexpected career opportunities and expand one’s perspectives.
Apart from academics, the different extracurriculars on campus contribute significantly to the college experience. It gives students the ability to engage with their peers, thrive creatively, try out new hobbies, and explore their interests. Pre-professional clubs can also be extremely beneficial to gain experience and foster skills for their desired career.
In addition, college also provides students with a wide range of networking possibilities. Career fairs, alumni connections, and personal relationships to faculty can all contribute to finding jobs and having a more successful career. Having contacts in an industry allows one not only to learn more about the company itself, get advice, and have a mentor, but also to know which jobs are available.
Pursuing higher education can be profoundly transformative, offering the invaluable opportunity to explore passions, discover a fulfilling career, and, most importantly, grow into a more capable and confident individual.
Kalvin: To set things straight, I believe a college degree is valuable for some people; if I genuinely thought it wasn’t beneficial, I wouldn’t attend college. I also concur that college can be an excellent opportunity for people to gain wealth and build social networks. However, I believe there are many equally, if not better, alternatives to a traditional college degree, and more people should consider these options.
Proponents of college degrees are quick to point out the median income of college graduates compared to high school graduates—$77,636 versus $46,748, respectively—which reflects a broad range of industries and jobs. However, trades jobs—an alternative that is often overlooked—can be very high-paying and require no degree. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters earn median salaries of $61,590, $61,550, and $56,000, respectively. Yes, these are all below the median salary of bachelor’s degrees, but this doesn’t include the benefits many of these unionized jobs get (often higher than their non-union counterparts). Not to mention, they have $0 in college debt to pay back.
Many students at Harvard receive sizable aid packages due to its generous financial aid program. However, Harvard is an outlier; many students rely on federal student loans, with the Education Data Initiative stating that 48.2% of undergraduates accept federal loans. The situation is even more challenging for middle-class families who earn above the federal aid threshold but still cannot afford the steep costs of college, often leading them to take out high-interest private loans to cover the expenses. With student loan debt hitting $1.7 trillion in 2024 and growing yearly, more and more people may decide that $0 in college debt for tradespeople, service members, and other well-paid non-college-educated jobs is an enticing route.
It’s also important to note that not all college degrees are equally lucrative. While I don’t fault anyone for pursuing a college degree they are passionate about, considering only median income, plenty of degrees offer far lower salaries than expected. For example, liberal arts graduates typically earn a median salary of just $38,000 within their first five years. CNBC lists 16 majors making $40,000 or less in their first five years, including elementary education, history, and theology. College should be about studying what you are passionate about, regardless of the income, but why doesn’t this open-mindedness extend to people who choose not to pursue college degrees? Not all people are passionate about continued education, which doesn’t necessarily mean they will have a lower quality of life, even if they can expect lower pay.
It’s worth mentioning that many Americans regret their time in college. According to USA Today, 33% of college graduates say they wish they had pursued a different education path. Pew Research Center also found that nearly half of Americans (47%) believe college is only worth it if you don’t have to take out loans, and a further 29% say it’s not worth it even without loans. This widespread disillusionment makes sense when you consider the skyrocketing costs of college—currently averaging $38,270 per year, or over $153,080 across a four-year degree.
As the shortage of skilled trade professionals grows, demand and pay will only increase. Whether it’s skilled trades, the military, cosmetology, entrepreneurship, or another field, thousands of great jobs don’t require a degree. While college can offer an invaluable experience for many, it’s not the only path to success, and for some, choosing a different route can lead to just as much—if not more—personal and professional fulfillment.
Alexandra: College can open doors to greater job opportunities, financial stability, and intellectual growth.
Kalvin: But success isn’t one-size-fits-all—many fulfilling, well-paying careers don’t require an undergraduate degree.
Kalvin and Alexandra: In the end, the most important thing is to make an informed choice. Whether you pursue higher education or forge your own path, the key is to invest in a future that aligns with your goals, skills, and values.
Alexandra Otto ’28 (alexandraotto@college.harvard.edu) loves exploring different fields of study. Kalvin Frank ’28 (kfrank@college.harvard.edu) was a car mechanic in a different life.