The cost of a college education has been steadily increasing for many years, with tuition and fees rising faster than inflation. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year was $37,800 at private colleges, $10,560 for state residents at public colleges, and $27,020 for out-of-state students at state colleges. With the cost of education skyrocketing, many students and their families are questioning whether a college degree is really worth the investment.
In response to these concerns, many companies have started to reconsider the necessity of a college education for certain positions. This shift has come in response to several factors, including the rising cost of tuition, the increasing availability of online learning opportunities, and the changing nature of work in the digital age.
While some careers still require a college degree, there are many jobs and careers available that do not. Companies are recognizing that skills and experience are just as important as a degree. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 33% of employers said they have removed degree requirements for certain positions, and 28% said they plan to do so in the future.
In this article, we will explore the value of a bachelor’s degree compared to the cost, outline the types of jobs and careers that are available without a college degree, and examine Mike Rowe’s initiative for the trades.
Mike Rowe, television host, narrator, and spokesman who is perhaps best known for his work on the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” series is dedicated to offering career seekers (high school graduates) a alternate path. He’s the founder of the MikeRoweWORKS Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting skilled trades and technical careers.
Rowe has been a vocal advocate for promoting trades and technical careers as a viable alternative to a college education. He argues that there is a significant shortage of skilled workers in the United States, and that many of these jobs are well-paying and offer job security. According to a 2018 report from the National Association of Home Builders, for example, there is a shortage of 300,000 workers in the construction industry alone.
One of the main reasons for this shortage is that many young people are not being encouraged to pursue trades and technical careers. Instead, there is a societal pressure to attend college and pursue a four-year degree. This pressure has led to a glut of college graduates in some fields, and a shortage of skilled workers in others.
To address this issue, Rowe has been working to promote trades and technical careers and to encourage young people to consider these paths. His mikeroweWORKS Foundation offers scholarships and grants to help people get the training they need for these careers. The foundation also partners with companies and organizations to promote the value of skilled trades and technical careers.
Overall, Mike Rowe’s work is an important reminder that not everyone needs to attend college to succeed in the workforce. Skilled trades and technical careers offer a valuable alternative for those who may not be interested in or able to afford a college education, and can help address the skilled worker shortage in the United States.
The Value of a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree has long been seen as the key to success and upward mobility in the United States. A college education is often touted as the best way to ensure a stable and well-paying career, and it’s true that college graduates tend to earn more than those without a degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree was $1,305, compared to $746 for someone with only a high school diploma.
However, the cost of a college education has been steadily increasing, and many students are finding it difficult to justify the investment. According to the Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), the average student loan debt for graduates in 2020 was $38,792. This debt can take years to pay off, and can delay important life milestones such as buying a home, getting married, and starting a family.
Furthermore, there is growing concern that not all degrees are created equal. Some fields of study, such as engineering, computer science, and nursing, have a high return on investment, while others, such as the humanities and social sciences, have a lower return on investment. According to PayScale, the top three highest-paying bachelor’s degrees in 2021 were all in the engineering field.
While a bachelor’s degree can be valuable, it’s important to carefully consider the return on investment and weigh the cost of education against the potential benefits.
Jobs and Careers that Don’t Require a College Degree
Despite the perceived value of a college education, there are many jobs and careers available that do not require a degree. In fact, some of the most in-demand and well-paying careers today are in fields that don’t require a four-year degree.
- Software Developer
One of the most in-demand careers in the tech industry is that of a software developer. Many companies no longer require a degree for this position, instead focusing on skills and experience. Software developers can earn an average salary of over $100,000 per year and have a high job satisfaction rating on Glassdoor. - Graphic Designer
Another career that does not necessarily require a college degree is that of a graphic designer. Many designers are self-taught or have completed vocational training programs. A graphic designer can earn an average salary of around $50,000 per year and has a high job satisfaction rating on Glassdoor. - Web Developer / Programmer
Web development is another technology-focused career that does not always require a college degree. Many web developers are self-taught or have completed online courses and boot camps. Web developers can earn an average salary of around $75,000 per year and have a high job satisfaction rating on Glassdoor. - Sales Representative
Sales representatives are essential to many industries, including technology, finance, and retail. While some companies may require a college degree for this position, others prioritize experience and skills. Sales representatives can earn an average salary of around $50,000 per year and have a moderate to high job satisfaction rating on Glassdoor. - Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives are responsible for providing support and assistance to customers. This career does not typically require a college degree, although some companies may prefer candidates with experience or specific skills. Customer service representatives can earn an average salary of around $35,000 per year and have a moderate to high job satisfaction rating on Glassdoor.
According to Glassdoor, companies that have recently removed degree requirements include IBM, Google, Apple, and Bank of America. These companies are recognizing the value of skills and experience over education, understanding that many individuals have valuable talents that they may have developed through alternative routes.
The shift towards valuing skills over degrees is an important step towards making the job market more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of individuals. By opening up opportunities to those without a college degree, companies can tap into a diverse and talented workforce, while also reducing barriers to entry for those who may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education.
In conclusion, the changing nature of work in the digital age has led to a shift in the types of jobs and careers that are available to individuals without a college degree. Many companies are recognizing the value of skills and experience, and are opening up opportunities to those who may have previously been excluded from certain industries. As a result, there are many exciting and rewarding careers available for those without a college degree, and Glassdoor provides valuable information on job satisfaction and company ratings for those seeking employment in these fields.
