A new survey by NBC/WSJ “Social Trends” shows that Americans are no longer sure that a four-year college degree is worth working towards.
According to the August poll, 47% of Americans that a degree is not worth the cost, since "people often graduate without specific job skills and with a large amount of debt." However, 49% still believe college is worthwhile, since it provides "a better chance to get a good job and earn more money over their lifetime."
Those who support college degrees include 66% of those with a postgraduate degree, 61% of those with a college degree, and 60% of high-income earners. Those who oppose college degrees include 66% of residents of rural areas, 65% of the working class, 58% of college dropouts, and 55% of high school graduates and dropouts.
Meanwhile, the US is facing a worker shortage: Not enough young people are looking for blue-collar work, and even less are trained for it. In 2012, over half of all blue-collar workers were over age 45.
According to a federal survey, only 8% of American undergraduates are enrolled in certificate programs. Those with career and technical training are more likely to be employed, and significantly more likely to be employed in their field, than those with an academic education, noted the US Department of Education.
The US currently has 30 million jobs which pay $55,000 annually and do not require a college degree.