Is a degree worth it in 2023?

Yes, a college degree remained a valuable investment in 2023, offering significantly higher lifetime earnings, better job stability (lower unemployment), and personal growth, though the rising cost and student debt are significant concerns for many, leading to mixed public opinion despite the clear financial and career benefits.

Is a bachelor's degree worth it in 2023?

College is a good investment

In 2023, workers with a bachelor's degree earned on average 61 percent more than high school graduates (compared to 40% more in 1990), while those with graduate degrees earned 89 percent more (60% in 1990).

Are degrees losing their value?

College degrees are not losing their value entirely, but they are no longer the singular path towards lasting careers. Working towards scholarships and grants may be the best solution for those who still want to walk down the path of higher education, as excessive student loans to make it achievable may bring regrets.

Why is Gen Z not going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

Do jobs care about degrees anymore?

According to research from Harvard Business School, companies have removed degree requirements from 46% of middle-skill positions and 31% of high-skill positions over the past five years. That's not a trend, that's a revolution.

having a college degree then vs. now

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

Is $70,000 a good starting salary out of college?

Yes, $70,000 is generally a very good starting salary for most college graduates, often above average, especially in high-demand fields like Tech, Engineering, Finance, or Business Analytics, though its real value depends heavily on your location's cost of living and your specific major. While some STEM majors see even higher starts, $70k puts you well above average entry-level pay and can provide a strong financial foundation. 

Where do top 1% send kids to college?

The "top 1%" of students, referring to those from the highest income brackets, tend to attend elite universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale that consistently rank high in national and global lists, with some even having more students from the top 1% income bracket than the bottom 60% combined, according to The New York Times data. Top-ranked institutions like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford are frequent top contenders in various 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education. 

What do Gen Z use instead of 😂?

Gen Z uses the 💀 (Skull) emoji to mean "I'm dead" from laughter, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) for intense humor or emotion, and sometimes the 🤡 (Clown Face) for foolishness, while finding the 😂 emoji outdated or "cheugy," often preferring these more dramatic or layered expressions of extreme amusement. 

What did Elon Musk say about college?

Elon Musk says college is "overrated," "basically for fun," and not essential for learning or success, emphasizing that you can learn anything online for free and that skills and proving you can work hard on tedious tasks matter more than degrees, though he acknowledges the social aspect and that some requirements for exceptional ability (like for his companies) look for track records, not just diplomas. He champions skilled trades and hands-on experience over traditional degrees, believing many graduates lack practical skills despite debt. 

Can you make $100,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, you can absolutely make $100,000 a year without a bachelor's degree by pursuing high-demand fields like skilled trades (electrician, HVAC), technology (IT, software development via bootcamps), sales, and specialized roles like air traffic controller or elevator technician, often relying on certifications, apprenticeships, experience, and sales success instead of a traditional degree. While data shows millions of Americans earn six figures without a degree, these paths require specialized training, experience, or proven skills rather than a four-year diploma, with many companies valuing "new-collar" talent. 

Do degrees matter in 2025?

According to Social Security, graduate degrees generate well over 1 million dollars in additional median lifetime earnings. In 2025, college graduates will earn, on average, 25%-90% higher earnings than those without a degree.

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Companies generally value both degrees and look for candidates who match the job requirements and company culture. A BS may be preferred for technical or analytical roles, while a BA can be a great fit for roles requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.

How much more (%) do you make by having a college degree?

Having a college degree significantly increases earnings, with bachelor's degree holders earning 60% to 86% more annually than high school graduates, translating to potentially millions more over a lifetime, though figures vary slightly by source and year, with data showing graduates earning substantially more per week and facing lower poverty rates and better job security.
 

Why is a bachelor's degree not enough anymore?

These are the reasons below; 👉More competition in the job market: Almost everybody above 21 years of age has a bachelor's degree, so graduating from university is not as impressive as it was 10 or 15 years ago. 👉More professionals are going after professional courses & certifications to stand out.

What does 😮 mean from a guy?

When a guy sends the 😮 (Face with Open Mouth) emoji, it usually means "Wow!" expressing surprise, awe, or disbelief, but it can also hint at shock, mild disappointment, or even sarcastic awe depending on the context, showing he's impressed or taken aback by something unexpected, good or bad. 

What does the 🙃 mean in Gen Z?

For Gen Z, the 🙃 (Upside-Down Face) emoji signals sarcasm, irony, or a situation that's not as great as it seems, often conveying playful resignation, passive aggression, or "this is terrible/FML" when things go wrong, unlike older generations who might use it for silliness. It's a versatile shorthand for "everything's fine (not really)," indicating stress, bad luck, or self-deprecating humor in a complex way. 

What might a $300,000 college cost a $200,000 family?

A $200,000 income family might pay anywhere from $20,000 to over $40,000 annually for a $300,000 (total) college, depending heavily on the school's financial aid policies (needs-based vs. merit-based), the CSS Profile vs. FAFSA, and if the school uses home equity, but many selective schools offer substantial aid, reducing the cost significantly below sticker price. Expect aid to be around 10-25% of the total cost, with specific contributions varying by institution. 

What do most billionaires study in college?

Engineering

This might surprise you, but the scope of engineering is huge and widening! KEY FACT: Engineering is the most common degree among the billionaires. 22% of the world's top 100 billionaires studied engineering.

Which college is in rank 1 in Canada?

The University of Toronto remains the highest-ranked Canadian institution, consistently recognised for its research impact and academic excellence.

How much hourly is $70,000 a year?

$70,000 a year is approximately $33.65 per hour, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek (2,080 hours per year), calculated by dividing the annual salary by 2,080 (40 hours x 52 weeks). A simpler estimate uses 2,000 working hours for $35 per hour, but the 2,080 figure is more precise for full-time roles. 

What degrees guarantee a high salary?

Key Findings: Highest-Paying Majors in 2026

STEM Majors Dominate: Fields like Computer Science, Software Engineering, Statistics, and Engineering offer six-figure salaries with strong growth rates, including roles such as Data Scientists ($112K, 34% growth) and Computer Research Scientists ($140K, 15% growth).

What salary should a 25 year old have?

A good salary for a 25-year-old in the U.S. generally falls between the median for younger workers and the broader range for those in their mid-20s to mid-30s, with figures often cited around $45,000 to $60,000+, depending heavily on industry, location, and education; for example, the median for ages 25-34 is often around $58,000-$60,000, while specific fields like Engineering or Tech can see much higher starting points.