A wave of skepticism is sweeping across the United States as a new generation of young adults—especially those from Generation Z—are increasingly questioning the value of a college degree. Recent research reveals that more than half of young Americans now view their college education as a waste of money, a significant shift with profound implications for individuals, educational institutions, and global workforce dynamics.
This generational disillusionment comes at a time when tuition costs have soared, student debt continues to climb, and the traditional advantages of holding a degree are increasingly in doubt. For Thai readers, these trends bear close watching, as they reflect global currents in higher education and could foreshadow developments in Thailand’s own educational landscape.
The latest reports show a dramatic increase in skepticism toward university education among young Americans. According to a survey conducted by Indeed Hiring Lab and Harris Poll in March 2025, 51% of Generation Z respondents who hold an associate degree or higher said they consider their college degree to have been a waste of money—more than double the skepticism reported by Baby Boomers, of whom only 20% share this view (Indeed.com). Across American media, these findings have captured the national mood (National Review), and similar polling by other organizations confirms this trend (Newsweek, Kansas City Star).
Why has college lost its shine for so many young people? The primary reasons revolve around the ever-increasing cost of higher education, persistent student debt, and a stagnating wage premium for degree holders. From 1980 to 2010, American college graduates could expect to earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma—a phenomenon known as the “college wage premium.” However, economists now note that this wage advantage has plateaued, even as tuition costs have climbed by as much as 45% in two decades (U.S. News). Student debt is a reality for 52% of American graduates, and for many, these loans become a barrier rather than a bridge to a better future. Indeed, 38% of recent graduates said that debt has hindered their professional growth more than their education has helped them.
Compounding these trends is the changing nature of the job market. As degree-holding becomes more widespread, the comparative advantage of a diploma diminishes. Sociologist Jonathan Horowitz, cited in the Indeed report, notes that “when college degrees are more common, there may not be enough highly-skilled jobs to go around; some college-educated workers lose out to others and are pushed into less-skilled jobs.” This forces many young graduates to accept roles that do not require their level of education, fueling further resentment and regret.
These findings are supported by other recent studies and coverage. A Fortune article in April 2025 reports that nearly half of Generation Z college graduates now see their university education as having little value, an attitude echoed widely across social media and public discourse (Fortune). A poll summarized by the Washington Examiner in 2023 found that 56% of Americans considered college degrees a bad investment—sentiments particularly strong among adults under 30 (Washington Examiner).
But it’s not just about the cost. Many young Americans say that the skills learned at university are no longer directly relevant to the jobs they end up doing. According to Indeed’s research, a remarkable 68% of Generation Z respondents believe they could perform their current job without having obtained a college degree. This figure is notably higher than Millennials (64%), Generation X (55%), and Baby Boomers (49%). These attitudes are reflected in hiring practices: as of January 2024, 52% of job postings on Indeed no longer required any formal education credentials, up from 49% in 2019. With employers moving toward skills-based hiring, a college diploma is no longer the “golden ticket” it once was.
Nevertheless, the situation is nuanced. Many degree holders are uneasy about the implications of a skills-focused workforce. Two-thirds of respondents in the Indeed survey said they would be bothered if they learned that a co-worker got a similar job without a degree. This sense of “cognitive dissonance” is understandable given the immense personal and financial investment that higher education represents.
Expert opinions highlight the need for a shift in emphasis within both education and the job market. A communications design graduate interviewed by Indeed underscored that the true value of his degree lay not in technical skills—which AI now can replicate—but in the development of a creative, problem-solving mindset. This perspective is echoed by a prominent higher education leader at the Qatar Foundation, who emphasizes that universities should shift their focus toward soft skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability—core competencies likely to remain valuable as AI continues to reshape the workplace (Indeed.com).
The rise of AI is a pivotal factor influencing perceptions about higher education worldwide. As generative artificial intelligence becomes more powerful, tasks that previously required specialized training can now be automated, further compressing the wage premium for degree holders and calling into question the relevance of traditional curricula. In response, both employers and educational institutions are moving toward a “skills-first” paradigm—a trend that could have enormous implications not only for the US, but also for Thailand and other countries striving to develop globally competitive workforces (Computerworld).
For Thailand, the American experience offers both caution and guidance. Thai society has historically placed high value on university degrees as symbols of social mobility and family pride. Degrees remain a key requirement for many public sector and professional jobs, and university attendance rates have steadily climbed over the past two decades (UNESCO). However, as the Thai labour market becomes more saturated with degree-holders and as automation begins to erode the value of rote skills, similar debates may arise. Already, employers in tech and creative industries in Thailand are increasingly emphasizing demonstrable skills and experience over formal educational credentials.
Thailand can also learn from the American move toward “skills-first” hiring and the expansion of alternative education pathways, such as vocational training, apprenticeships, and micro-credentials. Such adaptations would be especially relevant as the Thai economy undergoes digital transformation, and as sectors like tourism, creative industries, and tech demand more agile, adaptable talent. Institutional leaders within Thailand’s Ministry of Education have already voiced support for curriculum reform to focus on “soft skills” and digital literacy, aligning with these global trends.
At the same time, many of the social and economic forces driving change in the US are present in Thailand as well. Debt is less pervasive, as Thai universities are still relatively affordable compared to US counterparts, but rising costs and concerns about graduate underemployment are growing. The expectation that a degree guarantees upward mobility is being challenged as more Thai graduates face competitive job markets and stagnant starting salaries.
Culturally, the shift in attitudes poses profound questions for Thai families, who often make great sacrifices to support a child’s education. For many, a degree is still seen as a source of family honour (เกียรติยศ), and the thought of it being devalued is deeply unsettling. However, the rapid pace of technological change—driven by AI, globalization, and shifting labour market needs—may leave Thailand little choice but to embrace new models of education and work.
Looking ahead, if trends in the United States are any indication, the next decade is likely to see Thai employers and educators increasingly focus on skills rather than degrees. Already, international schools, coding bootcamps, and digital skills academies are gaining traction in Bangkok and major provincial cities, reflecting the thirst for more targeted, practice-oriented education. For local universities, the inside lesson is clear: adapt now, emphasizing experiential learning, soft skills, and flexibility, or risk facing a similar legitimacy crisis.
For young Thais and their families, the story is more complicated than simply seeing higher education as a waste. While a degree will remain essential for many specialized professions, its value will increasingly hinge on its ability to equip graduates with adaptable skills that can withstand technological and economic change. A balanced approach that combines formal education with practical experience and lifelong learning is likely to serve future graduates best.
Thai readers considering study choices or supporting children through university may wish to reflect on lessons from abroad: scrutinize the return on investment, diversify education pathways, and above all, prioritize the development of “essential skills” such as critical thinking, teamwork, and digital adaptability. Public policy leaders should accelerate reforms, bolster alternative education tracks, and increase support for skill-based hiring. Only by proactively rethinking education and workforce training can Thailand remain resilient and competitive in the face of global change.