A new survey has revealed a sharp generational divide over the value of a college degree in the United States.
The poll, carried out by The Harris Poll for job platform Indeed, found that more than half of Gen Z workers believe their degree was a poor investment or a waste of money. The survey questioned 772 U.S. adults aged 18 and over who have at least an associate degree and are either working or looking for work.
According to the results, 51 percent of Gen Z respondents said their degree was a waste of time or money. That compares to 41 percent of millennials, 30 percent of Gen X, and just 20 percent of baby boomers.
Younger workers were also more likely to say they did not need a degree for their current job. Around 68 percent of Gen Z said they could do their job just as well without going to college. More than three quarters said they would not have attended college if so many jobs did not require a degree.
Rising tuition costs appear to be a major factor. Data cited in the report shows U.S. tuition and fees have risen between 32 and 45 percent over the past two decades, even after adjusting for inflation. On top of that, 52 percent of those surveyed said they graduated with student loans. Nearly four in 10 said their debt hurt their career growth more than their degree helped it.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a role. Almost half of Gen Z job seekers said AI has made their college education feel outdated, especially in technical fields. At the same time, employers are increasingly focusing on skills, certifications, and hands-on experience instead of formal degrees.
Despite the frustration among younger workers, research still shows that college graduates earn more on average and face lower unemployment rates than those without degrees. However, interest in trade jobs, apprenticeships, and vocational training is growing, as many young people look for cheaper and faster paths into stable careers.
The findings suggest a wider cultural shift. As skill-based hiring becomes more common, many young Americans are rethinking whether a traditional college degree is still worth the cost.
