Has Gen-Z Lost Interest In Higher Education?

Recently, a YouGov study surveyed more than 1,800 Americans across five generations. The study indicated that Gen Z does not show much regard for their advancement into higher education, with only 39% of the participants perceiving it as important. So, what exactly gives? 

Experts attribute this change due to the extreme levels of debt students are left with after college and changes in the job market. The study seems to reflect this sentiment, with 46% of the participants responding that college was not worth the cost. Moreover, according to a recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, the average price of tuition, fees, and room for an undergraduate degree has increased 169% in the past 40 years. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2020 and 2030, about 60% of jobs in the economy will be in occupations that don’t typically require an associate’s, bachelor’s or graduate degree. Given that information, it is important to look through the perspectives of those with some of the highest level of firsthand experience. As such, some of Sewanhaka’s counselors and administrators have provided their own insights on this topic. 

Mr. Hutter, a counselor at SHS said, “Given the digital age we live in, I believe the opportunities for Gen Z will continue to expand… I could argue that higher education is more important now than ever before. You could have all of the opportunities in the world, but without the knowledge on how to manage yourself or your situation, it is difficult to sustain any level of success. Higher education offers a forum to learn and develop these invaluable skills.” 

On the other hand, Ms. Elias said, “Gen Z was raised during a time where technology and the internet was highly accessible to most people.. this has bred both positive and negative outcomes. Higher education is the safe option, which requires a serious time commitment that many Gen Z do not feel as invested in when there are other opportunities that require less time and have higher financial gain.” This ties back to changes in the job market. Not all professions require degrees obtained from college, which may possibly deter Gen Z from pursuing higher education.

However, Mr. Barahona explained, “I believe that Gen Z continues to value higher education, and [when] compared to other generations have more access to it. I believe that this generation perceives going to college with more optimism due to the different opportunities that they can take advantage of.” 

For the most part, perspectives seem to gravitate towards the same general consensus. Gen Z has had unparalleled access to resources and technology which has elevated and enhanced their abilities to reach greater opportunities.

And we have to take into account, the survey mentioned above isn’t the only study exploring this issue. Data from the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation heavily contradicts the results found by YouGov. It found that a majority of Gen Z (83%) say that college education is important today, and nearly two-thirds (62%) intend to pursue a degree after high school.

Furthermore, college enrollment data doesn’t mirror the idea that Gen Z is falling out of the idea of higher education, in fact it indicates the exact opposite. According to the Pew Research Center, out of the young adults aged 18 to 21 who were ​no longer in high school in 2018, 57% were enrolled in a two or four year col­lege. This same sta­tis­tic was five per­cent­age points low­er at 52% for Mil­len­ni­als in 2003, and 14 per­cent­age points low­er at 43% for mem­bers of Gen­er­a­tion X in 1987.

Moreover, student opinion also tends to gravitate towards the side of Gen Z favoring higher education. 

Hammad Zafar, a senior at SHS said, “The idea that Gen Z doesn’t regard their higher education is a stereotype. Although some may not, the majority of individuals value and respect its importance.” Nick-Jean Louis, another SHS senior agrees by saying, “a majority of people value higher education since it’s essential to get far in life. Teachers, parents, and even society as a whole encourage students to pursue college in order to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge essential for a good career.”

Overall, it is safe to say that this YouGov survey does not justify Gen Z’s opinions as a whole. Personally, I agree with the counselors and administrators of our school, as well as my fellow peers. In the modern age, the interest in higher education is skyrocketing. Unparalleled access to technology has enabled the unprecedented rapid spread of valuable information. People are exposed to ideas sooner, and this cultivates the growth of beneficial insights. Through this, Gen Z has the power and ability to achieve greater things than we could ever imagine.