Questioning the Value of College: A Media Milwaukee Interview Project

More and more students are wondering if higher education is worth the money and time. A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum found that most of the state’s job openings do not require a college degree, but higher-paying jobs still demand that diploma.

UW-Milwaukee student journalists interviewed a diverse range of young people about their experiences and goals – and whether college feels like an investment, a gamble or a mistake.

Questioning the Value of College: A Media Milwaukee Interview Project

“As I’ve been looking for other job opportunities, many of them require degrees. It’s insane!”

“Nobody is talking about entrepreneurship and starting their own business. It is just about going to college.”

“I learned that my degree has not given me anything really substantial.”

“There’s so much more to a college degree than just what your major is. You’re learning how the world works.”

“No one knows which white-collar jobs are still going to exist 10 years from now, so it’s even riskier to take on debt.”

“It’s all about what you are passionate about, because if you’re truly passionate you will make money.”

“My end goal is to own my own business and the training isn’t going to college. It’s actually getting your hands dirty.”

“Going to UWM was never really something that I knew if wanted to do. It was kind of pushed on me.”

“I think Generation Z definitely has a shifting mindset about how deserving or entitled we are to higher paying jobs without needing college.”

“Sometimes I forget that I even got my diploma. To me it’s just a piece of paper.”

“People need to take a more honest and realistic approach with themselves before they pursue higher education in any form.”

“My major requires a lot of networking, putting yourself out there and getting practice for auditions.”

“College is more about an experience compared to people who jump right into the workforce who don’t have that experience.”

“I do have regrets. I wish I changed my major to something business related.”

“I didn’t have a clear path for the future. I had vague ideas on what I wanted to do with a linguistics degree.”