Americans are losing faith in the value of college, but should they? Scholars and studies say no.
Recent, sensationalized headlines tell you the tide is turning for higher education…that GenZ is giving up on the idea of a two or four- year degree. Business Insider recently published an article titled; “Gen Z is the new threat to the American college experience”, (Dec. 23, 2023), but a deeper dive into the article indicates a very narrow study pool.
In July, Business Insider surveyed just 1,800 Americans across four generations with 600 respondents belonging to Generation Z. According to the US Census there are approximately 68.6 million Gen Zs in America.
The Deeper Truth
So as Business Insider pumps a narrative of young adults giving up on college let’s broaden our perspective.
Sidney A. McPhee, president of Middle Tennessee State University, has spent two decades immersed in higher education. He has witnessed the journey of thousands of students, from Freshmen to work-force ready Seniors, and he sees a different trend.
“I’ve been around long enough to see with my own eyes how attainment of a bachelor’s degree not only increases the life trajectory of those who earn them but also of their families, producing generational economic, social and health benefits,” McPhee states.
McPhee is among a group of Tennessee collegiate powerhouses committed to increasing public awareness about the value of a four-year college degree. The message of Four The Future campaign is that a four-year degree indeed changes an individual’s life, but it is also good for all Tennesseans.
In a recent article in The Tennessean (March, 18, 2024) , McPhee unpacked the Four the Future campaign and bolstered its significance with hard facts:
- On an annual basis, median earnings for graduates of four-year public universities in TN are $36,000 (or 84%) higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma. (Association of Public and Land-grant Universities)
- A bachelor’s degree recipient is expected to earn $1.4 million more than a high school graduate over their career. (Boyd Center 2023)
- Four decades ago, only 28% of jobs required postsecondary education. By 2021, 68% required it. (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workplace)
What About Ella’s House
Ella’s House exists because we believe in the power of education to change lives. Ella’s House is the only Tennessee nonprofit supporting pregnant and parenting collegiate students. Every woman served through Ella’s House has an opportunity to change not only her life but the life of her baby for years to come.
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see our courageous scholars navigate their pregnancies and graduate with pride,”
Elise Jenkins, Ella’s House Founder and Executive Director
“These women navigate hurdles that are unimaginable to most young adults. For instance, finding childcare, nursing a newborn, and securing part-time employment to build savings, all while attending classes and studying for exams. My goal is that through Ella’s House, their burdens are partially lifted.”
Ella’s House graduates are a testament to the profound benefits of higher education. Tennessee high school graduates earn on average $39, 000 annually. Here’s a look at what some of our graduates are slated to make:
Art Major: $56,000
RN: $64,000
Dental Assistant: $79,000
Social Worker: $92,000
We are proud of the work our scholars are doing to give themselves and their babies hope. Please join them in their journey. Consider a monthly donation or one-time gift of support.