A global shift is reshaping perceptions of higher education as young people question the value of a college degree. In the United States, a growing portion of Gen Z says college may not be worth the cost, a revelation that could influence education and employment trends in Thailand as well.
Rising tuition, heavy student debt, and doubts about the wage premium are central to this debate. Data from research conducted by Indeed Hiring Lab and Harris Poll in March 2025 shows that 51% of Gen Z respondents with an associate degree or higher consider their degree a waste of money. This view contrasts sharply with older generations and reflects a broader concern about return on investment. Reports across American media highlight a national mood of skepticism, while parallel polls from other outlets confirm a similar pattern.
Several factors fuel the skepticism. Tuition costs have climbed, debt remains common—about half of American graduates carry it—and the perceived wage advantage of a degree has plateaued. For many graduates, debt becomes a constraint rather than a stepping stone to opportunity. Indeed’s findings show that 38% of recent graduates feel that debt hindered their career growth more than their education helped.
The job market’s evolution compounds the issue. As degrees become more common, the competitive edge of holding a diploma diminishes. Experts note that highly skilled roles may not be as plentiful as anticipated, pushing some diploma holders into less demanding work. This dynamic helps explain growing frustration among graduates who expected a smoother path to economic security.
Beyond cost, perceptions about the relevance of university learning persist. A large share of Gen Z believes they could perform many of their current roles without a college degree. Hiring trends corroborate this shift: more than half of job postings on major employment platforms no longer require formal credentials. The trend toward skills-based hiring suggests that a traditional degree is losing its former “golden ticket.”
Yet many degree holders remain cautious about a purely skills-driven system. A sense of cognitive dissonance emerges when people see coworkers attain similar roles without degrees, given the personal and financial investments involved. Some graduates emphasize that the true value of a degree lies in developing creative problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability—soft skills less easily replicated by AI.
Artificial intelligence is a major factor accelerating these changes. As AI tools automate routine tasks, the distinct wage premium for degree holders may narrow further. Employers and educators are increasingly embracing a “skills-first” approach, a shift that could affect Thailand’s workforce strategy as well.
Thailand can draw both caution and guidance from this US experience. The Thai education system still places high social value on university degrees, particularly for public sector and professional roles. However, as automation and digital transformation accelerate, there is growing interest in alternative pathways—vocational training, apprenticeships, and micro-credentials. Local leaders are already exploring curriculum reforms that emphasize soft skills and digital literacy to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing economy.
Domestic trends echo the global conversation. While university costs remain relatively lower in Thailand, concerns about graduate underemployment and the alignment between skills and jobs are rising. Thai families continue to value degrees as a source of family pride, yet there is growing acceptance of diversified paths that combine formal study with hands-on experience and lifelong learning.
For Thai youth and their families, the takeaway is nuance rather than verdict. Degrees will remain essential for many professions, but their value increasingly depends on the ability to provide adaptable, work-ready skills. A balanced approach—integrating classroom learning with practical experience and ongoing upskilling—appears best suited to future-proof careers.
Thai educators and policymakers are urged to accelerate reforms that expand alternative education routes and prioritize outcomes beyond traditional diplomas. Strengthening industry partnerships, supporting digital literacy, and promoting flexible credentialing will help Thailand stay competitive in a global economy shaped by AI and automation.