College has long been considered a necessary step toward success—but that belief is starting to shift. With rising tuition costs, student loan debt at record highs, and a job market that increasingly values skills over degrees, many people are questioning whether a traditional college education is always worth the money. 

The shocking truth is, for most high school graduates, college is not the right choice. 

Modest Academic Achievement 

Everyone is urging you to go to college. However, they are neglecting to tell you that (1) Getting accepted at a college is no big deal. Almost any high school graduate can find a college or university that will accept them because most schools (92%) are not that selective. (2) Supply (college grads) far exceeds Demand (well-paying, professional jobs).  

College is a competition. Every year, there are two degreed candidates for every “college” job, and with AI, that’s going to get worse. Today the average high school graduate has a 3.0 GPA. “Average” isn’t going to cut it. Those obnoxious, “book smart” students in your class are likely to be the winners. 

Lacking a Career Plan 

In the good-old-days when college was relatively cheap, students could go to college to “find themselves” or “learn to learn.” That’s an unaffordable luxury now. Without a clear direction, students may need to change majors multiple times, driving up costs. (See notes.) 

The Degree Leads to a Low Paying Job 

College is a competition. Half of all recent college graduates find themselves underemployed, e.g. making lattes. 

If the job you’re aiming for doesn’t require a degree or offers only marginal income gains, the debt and opportunity cost may outweigh the benefits. For example, in most states, the starting salary for teachers makes college a marginal investment. 

Choosing a For-Profit College 

For-profit institutions often have high tuition, low graduation rates, and poor job placement outcomes. Many students at these schools end up with significant debt and limited job prospects.  

Choosing an Expensive “Dream” School 

Private universities or out-of-state schools can cost significantly more than public in-state options. Students who don’t qualify for financial aid—or attend schools with high tuition and fees—may end up paying the full sticker price, which can be significantly more than the average. 

Needs Major Student Loans 

If attending college means taking on large amounts of debt, you are “playing with fire.” High monthly loan payments can delay major life milestones like buying a home, starting a business, or saving for retirement. (See notes.) 

When Skills Can be Learned Elsewhere 

Many industries—like tech, digital marketing, and creative design—now place more value on portfolios and real-world skills than degrees. Bootcamps, apprenticeships, online courses, and self-directed learning can provide more affordable, targeted ways to break into these fields without an expensive four-year degree. 

Conclusion 

For most high school graduates, college is not the right choice. Most are going to need a Plan B. (See notes.) 

Notes 

https://www.iscollegereallytherightchoice.com/career-planning-101/ 

https://www.iscollegereallytherightchoice.com/congratulations-graduated-high-school-now/ 

https://www.iscollegereallytherightchoice.com/student-loans-facts-jack/