Why Generation Z are Skipping College
Generation Z has been called many things—post-millennial, and the iGeneration to name a few—, but whatever you call them they are the demographic cohort that follow the millennials. This is a generation which have been using the internet since a very young age, who are comfortable with technology, and who know their way around social media. The growing trend amongst these young people, believe it or not, is skipping college. Here’s why…
Why is generation Z skipping college?
Generation Z have seen their millennial companions rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars in student and personal debt in order to get through their three or four year degree, and gain the reward of a job with a meagre entry level wage. This harsh reality has seen Generation Z thinking twice about the value of a college degree. Furthermore, more and more young people are playing to their strengths in order to get on to a less conventional career path.
Skipping college to avoid debt
According to the Economic Policy Institute the cost if a 4-year public education increased by 151% since 1978 (according to 2016 figures). In that time the median family income increase by only 20%. So as you can see, Generation Z are even less able to afford college than millennials (if that’s even possible!). Skipping college in favor of working goes a long way to having a life with less debt.
Online learning
Generation Z has considered that fact and decided to forego the extra expense by turning to e-learning. Recent estimates find that by 2020 Generation Z will make up 40% of e-learning customers. At this point the oldest Generation Z members will be 21 years of age. Age is no barrier to learning, of course, when you’re taking an online course. Skipping college doesn’t have to mean that you stop learning.
Getting On Your Feet Without College
For some people, college would be an unnecessary bump in the road which slows their career trajectory; young entrepreneurs often nurture the seed of an idea long before they are at a decision-making age. According to a Gallup Student Poll 40% of students in grades 5 to 12 plan to start their own business, and 24% are already learning how.
What are your views about skipping college?