US College Enrollment Plunges as Gen Z Turns to Blue-Collar Careers
In a stark reversal of traditional career paths, US college enrollment has experienced a historic decline, with many schools seeing decreases in freshman enrollment since the latter half of the 20th century. The average annual cost of a 4-year private college has skyrocketed by 42% over the past decade, while public universities have seen a 30% increase. As a result, Gen Z, the youngest generation in the workforce, is increasingly opting for blue-collar careers in skilled trades that don't require a 4-year degree.
According to recent data, fall undergraduate enrollment was only 1% higher in 2024 than in 2019, while vocational school enrollment surged by 18% over the same period. This shift is driven in part by the rising cost of higher education, with the total all-in cost for a 4-year public school averaging $110,000 and $225,000 for private schools. In contrast, skilled workers are in high demand, with average starting salaries rising by over 25% since 2019, from $18.70 an hour to $23.43 an hour. As older workers begin to retire, Gen Z is poised to fill the skilled labor gap, with many young adults choosing to pursue careers in trades such as welding, landscaping, and other skilled professions. Morgan Bradbury, a 21-year-old welder, and Chase Gallagher, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, are among those who have opted for alternative career paths, citing the financial benefits and sense of fulfillment that come with working in the trades. As the US economy continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue, but one thing is clear: Gen Z is redefining the traditional notion of a successful career.
