One in Four Gen Zers Regret College Choice Survey

Recent surveys reveal a significant portion of Gen Z and American college graduates regret their college education or chosen majors, questioning the value of higher education amid a challenging job market. About one in four Gen Zers express regret over their college decisions, with many wishing they had pursued higher-paying fields, trades, or no-degree careers, citing financial burdens and inadequate preparation for the workforce. Similarly, half of Americans feel their majors did not prepare them for employment, and many regret taking out student loans or missing networking and internship opportunities. Employers also report concerns about recent graduates' readiness, highlighting issues like lack of professionalism and time management, while insufficient employer training exacerbates the problem. Additionally, unemployment rates for young men with degrees are approaching those without, signaling diminished advantages of college credentials in certain demographics. These findings suggest a growing reevaluation of higher education's role in career success, especially as economic pressures and evolving job requirements reshape expectations for new entrants to the workforce.