More and more Gen Zers are starting to wonder if college was worth the cost. According to a recent survey by Indeed, nearly 51% of young people feel that their degree was a "waste of money." With rising tuition fees, growing student debt, and the rapid advancement of AI, many are questioning whether a degree still holds the same value it used to.

College costs have skyrocketed, with the average bachelor's degree now costing over $38,000. On top of that, total student loan debt in the U.S. has reached nearly $2 trillion. This financial burden, combined with fears that AI will take over many jobs, is leading Gen Z to reconsider the ROI of higher education. “Another 38% of recent grads feel that student loans have held them back more than their degree has helped them,” said Kyle M.K., a career expert at Indeed.

With job markets shifting, young people are facing uncertainty. In fact, 4.3 million Gen Zers are classified as “NEETs”—Not in Education, Employment, or Training. For many, it’s unclear how to restart their careers. What's even more troubling is the long payback time for certain degrees. For fields like psychology or philosophy, it could take 20+ years for your degree to start paying off, which feels like a huge gamble in today’s fast-paced job market.

However, some experts believe we’re looking at the situation all wrong. Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, argues that college isn’t just about landing your first job—it’s about gaining exposure to new ideas, developing leadership skills, and building a network of connections. “A degree opens doors,” she says, “and it's more than just a piece of paper. It’s about the opportunities you create while you're in school.”

That said, AI is adding to the doubt. Almost 30% of college graduates feel that AI has made their degree less relevant, and that number jumps to 45% among Gen Z. While many experts say that AI isn't going to replace human workers, it’s still hard to ignore how automation is changing industries. The key to staying relevant? “AI won’t invalidate a solid education, but it will reward those who keep upgrading their skills,” says M.K. Those who stay flexible and continue learning are the ones who will thrive in an AI-driven world.

Gen Z’s growing skepticism around higher education highlights a larger conversation about the future of work, education, and technology. While a degree might not be the only way to success anymore, it still offers opportunities for growth, networking, and skill development that AI can’t replace—yet.

Source: Fortune