Why College Isn’t Always the Right Path for Student-Athletes: A New Perspective

As more student-athletes graduate and enter the workforce, a growing number of them are questioning if pursuing a traditional college degree was the best choice. The pressures of academics, athletics, and financial burdens often make students wonder whether they could have focused their time and energy on something more immediately rewarding, such as a high-paying industry or even hands-on skill development.

A recent survey from ResumeGenius highlighted that one in four Gen Z workers regret going to college or wish they had pursued a more financially lucrative career, such as tech, healthcare, or engineering. This mindset has emerged due to increasing student loan debt, rising tuition costs, and an unpredictable job market, especially for those entering fields that are becoming more automated.

For many student-athletes, the decision to attend college was often seen as a ticket to a professional career, not just in sports, but in life. A degree was once considered a golden key to a secure and fulfilling job, but that idea is shifting. “In today’s world, college doesn’t always guarantee a job, especially if you don’t have a clear path to professional sports,” says career coach Kolby Goodman.

More and more student-athletes are questioning if the time spent balancing training, competitions, and academics is truly worth the investment, especially when they see fellow athletes struggle to land lucrative careers after graduation. While college sports might open doors for professional athletes, the reality for many is that they don’t make it to the pros, leaving them with substantial debt and no clear career trajectory.

What’s particularly concerning for student-athletes is the changing landscape of career opportunities. Historically, industries like business, tech, and healthcare promised clear and stable paths to financial success, but with the rise of AI and evolving job markets, even these fields are not as guaranteed as they once were. “Student-athletes are realizing they’re in a world where even tech or healthcare degrees don’t guarantee a job post-graduation,” says career strategist Trevor Houston.

As the future of work becomes more competitive, many student-athletes are also looking for alternatives that provide a more direct return on investment. Fields like skilled trades, coding, and apprenticeships offer strong opportunities without the looming burden of student loans. Companies like LinkedIn and Salesforce have been on the lookout for candidates with practical skills rather than just a college degree, which is changing the way young professionals approach their careers.

The increasing trend toward considering alternative career paths—such as trade schools or apprenticeships—is also supported by many parents, with surveys showing that 70% of teens are receiving more encouragement to forgo college and pursue hands-on learning.

For student-athletes, the question now becomes: Is college the best way to leverage their time and energy for future success, or could they find greater opportunities in a less traditional career path that offers a quicker financial return without the same educational debt?

As the landscape for job opportunities continues to shift, the key takeaway is this: the choice to go to college, for both academic and athletic success, is not as clear-cut as it once was. For student-athletes, the question is not just “what does the future hold?” but “how can I balance both my athletic ambitions and my financial future?”