The value of higher education has long been debated among students, employers, and educators alike. Recently, this discussion has gained momentum as numerous influential figures, including billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, have voiced skepticism over the necessity of traditional college degrees.
This conversation was reignited when Musk referred to college as ";overrated" during a rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. At this Philadelphia event, he pointedly remarked on the accumulating student debt individuals face, often without acquiring relevant practical skills. The sentiment resonates deeply with those like A. Rasberry, who hold advanced degrees yet struggle to secure employment.
A. Rasberry, 38, from Virginia, has quite the educational background—she holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. Yet, the ambitious academic path has not panned out as intended. "I thought education was the road to financial freedom, but I was wrong," she lamented, having spent four years job hunting after earning her doctorate and racking up over $250,000 in student debt.
Despite living in what is considered a job-seeker’s market, Rasberry has found the search for employment challenging. Potential employers often overlook her because she lacks the specific experience they seek, even though she possesses extensive educational qualifications. She explained, "I am often overqualified for entry-level positions but haven't had the management experience to justify hiring me for higher roles." This painful irony is not lost on her, and Rasberry advocates for those contemplating higher education to thoroughly research schools’ job placement records and internship opportunities—measures she regrettably bypassed.
While Rasberry battles through her challenges, Elon Musk takes to social media, spreading his belief: ";Success doesn't require degree." He asserts hands-on skills from various trades such as plumbing and carpentry are equally, if not more, valuable than conventional academic paths. During interviews throughout the years, he has continuously articulated how individuals shouldn't feel compelled to obtain four-year degrees to achieve professional success.
“I think the value of a college education is somewhat overweighted,” he stated. “Too many people spend four years, accumulate a ton of debt, and often don't have useful skills.” Musk's perspective has opened the floodgates for others to also share their experiences and reflections on the educational system.
Many users responding to Musk's comments on social media echoed his sentiments. One commenter pointed out, "College degrees have their place, but college isn't for everyone. The whole system has been watered down and has made it high school 2.0 for many." Another user recommended combining affordable online education with internships to help students gain hands-on experience without harsh student debt. It is evident this notion of education needs reassessment not just from the elite but from the everyday worker affected by shifting employment landscapes.
Yet, let's take it back to Rasberry, who reluctantly adjusted her career aspirations and focused on securing job security for financial stability. Currently, she juggles multiple part-time jobs alongside her continual quest for meaningful employment. She works for TurboTax and serves as a direct care liaison, which provided her some certification at no additional cost. At her highest, she has secured promotion to consultant roles earning $70,000 yearly, which unfortunately fell short of the aspirations tied to her extensive education.
The conversations around the necessity of college are not only relevant to individuals like Rasberry but also provoke larger societal questions: Are we investing enough time and resources to equip the upcoming workforce with applicable skills? Even tech moguls like Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, place emphasis on skills over traditional degrees, reflecting broader industry shifts. While college education can open doors, it becomes clear the solution lies more holistically at the bridge of practical skill application and experiential learning.
The reality is roads diverge. Some will find ample opportunities through academic pathways, whilst others will thrive through non-traditional routes. The recent discourse fosters important reflection on the structures within highly recognized institutions, begging the question: Are we truly valuing educational outcomes aligned with real-world applications? And perhaps even more critically, how are we facilitating diverse pathways toward success?
Whether or not several voices aligning against the giants of academia will influence future generations remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the discussion around educational values is continuously transforming, and the stakes are undeniably high.
