A growing number of young professionals are starting to question whether their college education was worth the investment. According to a recent survey by ResumeLab, nearly 25% of Gen Z workers—those currently aged between 18 and 27—believe that college did not provide enough value for the time, money, and effort spent.
The findings reflect a larger trend as the cost of higher education continues to rise, while wages remain relatively stagnant. Although 67% of Gen Z respondents said they would still choose to attend college if given the chance again, many expressed regret over not learning more practical, job-ready skills during their studies. Around 39% of those surveyed said their degrees didn't adequately prepare them for the workforce.
What’s more, many young professionals say they've had to learn the most useful aspects of their jobs after graduating—often on the job, through internships, or by taking additional online courses.
This sentiment is shifting the perception of what it means to be “career-ready.” Instead of relying solely on traditional degrees, more Gen Z individuals are turning to alternative education paths like bootcamps, certifications, and online platforms that offer targeted training in areas such as tech, design, and marketing.
As the labor market evolves, employers may also need to rethink hiring practices and value real-world skills and experience just as much—if not more—than academic credentials.