‘College doesn’t carry the same ROI it once did’: 70% of teens say their parents support them going to trade school or getting an apprenticeship

As college tuition continues to rise, many parents are reevaluating the traditional path to success for their children. A new report shows that 70% of teens say their parents now support the idea of them exploring alternatives to college, such as trade schools or apprenticeships.

The cost of attending college has skyrocketed, and with it, the uncertainty surrounding job prospects after graduation. Parents are beginning to acknowledge that a four-year degree is not the only way to secure a lucrative career. More young people are turning to vocational training and hands-on learning as an alternative to the traditional classroom experience.

This shift in perspective comes at a time when the U.S. is seeing a growing number of job opportunities that do not require a degree. Fields such as construction, healthcare, and technology offer six-figure salaries to workers who have specialized training rather than a college diploma.

Trevor Houston, a career strategist, explains, “The ROI on a college degree isn’t what it used to be, especially when you consider the mounting student debt and the uncertain job market. Students today are looking for more affordable and efficient pathways to success.”

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the U.S. is over $38,000 per year. And with nearly 4 million Gen Zers unemployed, many are questioning the value of a degree.

Julie Lammers, executive vice president at American Student Assistance, agrees. “Many students are seeking faster and more affordable routes to the workforce. We need to support these goals and help students navigate the various career paths available.”

While college was once seen as the only route to success, there are now a variety of options for high school graduates. Programs like apprenticeships, career training, and boot camps offer opportunities for students to earn while they learn. These “new-collar jobs” are gaining popularity and can lead to high-paying careers in fields such as cybersecurity, design, and artificial intelligence.

Some of the highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree include roles in marketing, sales, human resources, and information security. For example, marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $159,660, while sales managers make $138,060.

Trade jobs are also a popular choice for recent graduates. Many positions in construction, energy, and manufacturing offer six-figure salaries with just a high school diploma. Professions like aircraft mechanics, plumbers, and industrial electricians earn average salaries ranging from $100,000 to $135,000.

The demand for skilled workers in these fields continues to grow, and as Lammers points out, “An aging workforce in the trades and increasing demand for infrastructure projects mean there are more job openings than skilled workers to fill them.”

Ultimately, the key takeaway for students is to start exploring their career options early, without feeling the pressure to follow a traditional path. Houston advises, “This is the time for students to experiment and figure out what they’re passionate about. It’s about building a career based on what they love, not just following the crowd.”

As the job market evolves, parents and students alike are learning that success after high school doesn’t always require a college degree.