The High Cost of College and the Rise of Skilled Trade Workers
In recent
years, college tuition has exploded, leaving many Americans with crippling student loan debt. However, according to the latest student loan debt statistics, some 80% of adult Americans don’t have student loans or didn’t go to college. With President Joe Biden proposing a potential plan to cancel student loans for millions of Americans, many people are asking if this is fair. Meanwhile, "Dirty Jobs" host Mike Rowe recently pointed out that students' demand for student loan forgiveness is
"self-involved," and that the push for college has led to a shortage of skilled trade workers in America. Let's take a look at why this is happening and how it affects our current economy.
The Rising Cost of College Tuition
College tuition costs
have increased by over 200% since 1980, far outpacing inflation and wage growth. This means that college tuition has become increasingly unaffordable for many middle-class families who rely on student loan debt in order to pay for their child's education. As a result, more and more young adults are graduating from college with an average of over $30,000 in debt—a staggering amount considering the fact that wages haven't kept up with the rising cost of living.
The Rise of Skilled Trade Workers
On top of this financial burden is the fact that there is currently a shortage of skilled trade workers in America due to the push for college. As Mike Rowe points out, many young adults are unaware that there are alternatives to
traditional four-year colleges that offer lucrative career paths without taking on massive amounts of debt. One such example is Chloe Hudson—a recipient of one Rowe scholarship—who considered college but was shocked at what it cost her family each year. Instead, she chose to pursue welding which pays her $3,000 per week! Hudson is appalled by today's college students' demands for loan forgiveness when they could've pursued other options like welding or apprenticeships which don't require taking
on thousands in debt each year.
It’s clear from these examples that there are now many alternatives available when it comes to pursuing higher education or a career path without taking on a mountain load of debt—options like welding or apprenticeships which can lead to successful careers without spending thousands every year on tuition costs. While President Joe
Biden’s proposal would certainly help those struggling with student loan payments right now, it doesn’t address the underlying problem which is the high cost of college tuition and lack of awareness about alternative job opportunities available outside traditional four-year colleges. We need solutions that will make college more affordable while also promoting vocational training and other non-traditional methods so no one gets left behind in an expensive economy where jobs are becoming ever
more scarce and competitive.
Takeaways.
•In recent years, college tuition has exploded, leaving many Americans with crippling student loan debt.
• According to the latest student loan debt statistics, some 80% of adult Americans don’t have student loans or didn’t go to college.
• With President Joe Biden proposing a potential plan to cancel student loans for millions of Americans (on the backs of those
that didn't get to go to college), many people are asking if this is fair. Meanwhile, "Dirty Jobs" host Mike Rowe recently pointed out that students' demand for student loan forgiveness is "self-involved," and that the push for college has led to a shortage of skilled trade workers in America.
• College tuition costs have increased by over 200% since 1980, far outpacing
inflation and wage growth—making it increasingly unaffordable for middle-class families who often rely on student loan debt to pay for their child's education.
• More and more young adults are graduating from college with an average of over $30,000 in debt—a staggering amount considering the fact that wages haven't kept up with the rising cost of
living.
Frequently asked questions.
What are the major causes of the high cost of college?
There are
a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of college such as the rising administrative costs due to bloated university bureaucracies and an increasingly competitive higher education landscape as well as the high cost of books and supplies.
What are the benefits of skilled trade workers?
Skilled trade workers, such as welders or electricians, have a range of benefits over traditional college graduates. For one, they can often command higher salaries than those with a college degree. Additionally, skilled trade workers are in high demand as many companies struggle to find qualified workers in our increasingly competitive and technologically-driven economy. Finally, skilled trade workers are often able to find fulfilling work
that gives them a sense of purpose, unlike many college graduates who struggle to find satisfying careers.
How can I become a skilled trade worker?
There are a number of ways to pursue a career in skilled trades, including apprenticeships and
vocational programs offered at community colleges or trade schools.
What are the best skilled trade jobs?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it will largely depend on your individual interests and skills. However, some of the most
in-demand skilled trade jobs include electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and machinists.
What are the worst skilled trade jobs?
Some of the worst skilled trade jobs include those that involve dangerous or unhealthy conditions, such as working
in a coal mine.
There has never been a better time to get started! Whether you're interested in becoming an electrician, plumber, carpenter, welder, or any other type of skilled trade worker, there are a wide range of educational and training opportunities available to help you get started.
Disclaimer.
While we attempt to ensure that the information is accurate, we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. If you find errors or omissions, please let us know. We do not assume any responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided here. You should consult a professional
before making important decisions. We hope you find this information useful.
However, please be aware that there are many factors that could affect your decision to pursue a career in skilled trades or any other field. We strongly encourage you to do your own research and consult with an experienced professional before making any major decisions about your
future.
