Degrees of Doubt: Gen Z’s Changing View of Higher Education
Gen Z is challenging the blueprint that defined success for previous generations. With rapid technological advances, shifting cultural norms and a redefined workforce, the traditional path of college to career is no longer a given. Instead, many young people are asking if college is still the best launchpad for success. The answer isn’t simple, and the data shows that Gen Z is increasingly skeptical. In fact, about 78% of Americans have noticed a rising interest in trade jobs among young adults, signaling a broader shift in how this generation views opportunity and success.
Three Factors Shaping Gen Z’s Definition of Success:
1. The Value of College
“Student Expectations To Attend College Plunge To New 20-Year Low” — this headline from Forbes captures the magnitude of the shift in how GenZ views higher education. In 2002, 72% of high school students expected to earn a bachelor’s degree. By 2022, that number had dropped to just 44%. Among first-generation students, aspirations fell from 60% to 33% over the same period.
This decline reflects growing concerns about cost, relevance and return on investment. According to our 2025 Graduate Employability Report, only 33% of recent graduates believe their education was worth the cost. With rising tuition and student debt, many Gen Zers are questioning whether a degree guarantees career readiness or financial stability.
Employers are also shifting expectations. While 71% still require degrees for entry-level roles, 76% are hiring the same or fewer entry-level workers. This creates a paradox: degrees are still expected, but they’re not always delivering the outcomes students anticipate.
2. Cultural Shifts and the Influence of Social Media
Beyond economics, culture is playing a powerful role in reshaping Gen Z’s view of education. Social media has made success feel more accessible, and more immediate. A CNBC report found that 57% of Gen Z want to be influencers. Yet only 4.7% of social media users monetize their content, and nearly half earn less than $15,000 per year.
Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have created a new kind of career path, one that appears to bypass traditional credentials. One viral post can launch a brand, a business or a movement. However, this illusion of instant success can lead young people to believe expertise is self-declared and education optional.
Jeff Bezos recently cautioned against this mindset sharing, "I started Amazon when I was 30, not when I was 20. That extra 10 years of experience actually improved the odds that Amazon would succeed. I finished college, and I think it’s been helpful to me"
While Gen Z values autonomy and creativity, the cultural shift toward self-made success is one of several forces contributing to the decline in college aspirations.
3. Workforce Misalignment and the Rise of Hands-On Learning
Another factor driving Gen Z’s skepticism is the disconnect between education and employment. Many graduates feel unprepared for the workforce, not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack experience and connections.
The 2025 Employability Report found that 1 in 5 graduates say their education program did nothing to help foster career connections. Additionally, 36% wish their institution had helped them get a job after graduation. COVID-19 compounded this issue, disrupting internships, networking opportunities and career services.
Meanwhile, hiring managers report a values mismatch. A Business Insider article revealed that only 2% of Gen Z job seekers share the values employers prize most. Age bias is also a concern: 42% of hiring managers consider age when reviewing resumes, and 36% admit bias against Gen Z.
Gen Z is increasingly prioritizing hands-on training, mentorship and real-world experience. They want institutions that help them build relationships, not just resumes. This shift is pushing colleges and employers to rethink how they prepare young people for the future.
Rethinking the Path Forward
Gen Z’s questioning of the traditional path is more than a trend; it’s a signal. Influencer culture, shifting values and institutional gaps are reshaping how young people define success. For education leaders and employers the challenge is clear: adapt to Gen Z’s evolving expectations while reinforcing the long-term value of structured learning and career preparation.
Those that prioritize adaptability, real-world experience and meaningful career support will be best positioned to meet Gen Z’s expectations and shape the future of education.