Dear Roadie,
My son is a junior, and we’re starting to look at colleges — but he’s not convinced it’s worth it. He keeps bringing up a friend who went straight into trades and another who got tech certifications and is already working. He’s not even sure what he wants to major in yet. With all the changes to student loans and more from the current administration, I didn’t expect to be questioning college myself, but here we are. Is it still the best path for most people?
— Wondering if College Is Still Worth It
Dear Wondering if College Is Still Worth It,
It’s a question more families are weighing than ever: Is college still the right path for my child, and is it worth the cost?
Not long ago, the answer felt more straightforward. A college degree was considered essential for success. But in 2025, that decision comes with more complexity. Tuition has climbed to record highs. Student debt remains a long-term concern. And more career paths are opening up that don’t require a four-year degree.
At the same time, colleges are facing growing scrutiny. Some universities have announced program cuts or faculty layoffs amid financial strain, much of it stemming from the changes proposed by the second Trump administration. Others are navigating cultural tensions on campus. These headlines can understandably make parents wonder what their child would be walking into, and whether the investment in college matches the outcome.
College Still Has Strong Value
The return on investment for a bachelor’s degree can still be significant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a four-year degree continue to earn more, on average, than those without one. For students pursuing careers in healthcare, engineering, education, finance, or research, college remains the primary gateway.
But for others, the value of a degree may depend less on the diploma itself and more on what they do with it. In industries such as tech, logistics, and media, factors such as skills, certifications, and internships carry as much weight as formal credentials. Even major employers like Google and Tesla have eased up on degree requirements in favor of practical experience.
Trade Jobs Are Gaining New Attention
Meanwhile, well-paying jobs in skilled trades continue to go unfilled. Electricians, HVAC technicians, dental hygienists, and diagnostic medical sonographers are just a few examples of roles with strong salaries and job growth, none of which require a traditional college degree.
For students who are hands-on learners or uncertain about academic life, exploring trade careers, apprenticeships, or certifications can offer a faster, more affordable route into the workforce.
A Slower, Smarter Approach
For those families caught somewhere between the two, there’s a “middle path.” Community college enrollment is up in many regions, particularly through dual-enrollment and transfer programs. Online certificates, bootcamps, and hybrid learning models have become more credible and more career-aligned.
Gap years, once rare, are now a thoughtful option for students who want time to work, explore interests, or mature before committing to a major investment. In 2025, taking time isn’t seen as falling behind — it’s often part of a more intentional plan.
College Is Still About More Than Jobs
For many students, college also offers space to grow up, build independence, and engage with a wider world. The relationships, ideas, and opportunities they encounter can shape not only their career but also their identity and values. That kind of growth isn’t easily quantified, but for the right student, it can be transformative.
Still, if a student is unsure of their path — or hesitant about taking on debt — it may be wise to pause and evaluate the alternatives.
What Matters Most Right Now
The real question isn’t whether college is “worth it” in the abstract — it’s whether it aligns with your student’s goals, interests, and financial reality. The traditional path is no longer the only one that leads to success. And in some cases, it’s not even the best first step.
As families navigate this decision, the most helpful approach may be to ask: What does the student hope to gain? What are their strengths? What paths feel right, not just practical?
Because in 2025, the best plan isn’t always a straight line, and that’s not a problem — it’s an opportunity to define success on your own terms.
_______
Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
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Other Articles You Might Like:
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