In class this week, we discussed various forms of inequality, including class, education, health, income, and wealth. Much of our conversation focused on students questioning the value of a college education. They expressed anxiety about securing a job after graduation—an anxiety I do not recall experiencing as an undergraduate or graduate student.
Some of the White straight males in my class have voiced their frustration with finding employment. Their sentiments range from questioning diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, in an accusatory manner, to expressing regret about not pursuing a trade and wondering if a four-year degree is truly worth it.
The identification as “straight” appears to be part of an identity that some feel is under attack, particularly regarding masculinity. This may help explain the voting patterns of this age group in the 2024 election.
It is perplexing how much information they have to make decisions, yet they struggle to analyze that information critically. So, when they ask if a college degree is worth it due to the challenges of securing a “high-paying” job, my response is yes. I also explain that the increasing number of people earning college degrees leads to more competition for jobs. Therefore, the challenges they face are not solely because of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but rather because the labor market has become more competitive.
Is There More Competition
Compared to the 55 to 65-year-old age group, approximately 2.6 million more people in the 25 to 34-year-old age group hold bachelor’s degrees (see Table 1). Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of degrees conferred to older returning and first-time students. As a result, younger cohorts are facing increased competition from their peers.
Table 1. Number of People in the U.S. with a Bachelors Degree
| 25 to 34 | 35 to 44 | |||||
| Male | Female | Total | Male | Female | Total | |
| Asian | 501,566 | 365,411 | 866,977 | 413,557 | 311,356 | 724,913 |
| Black | 449,067 | 583,527 | 1,032,594 | 390,530 | 481,556 | 872,086 |
| Indigenous American | 28,743 | 36,407 | 65,151 | 16,798 | 25,982 | 42,780 |
| Multiracial | 142,213 | 94,093 | 236,307 | 88,969 | 75,492 | 164,461 |
| White | 3,374,713 | 2,889,061 | 6,263,773 | 2,840,809 | 2,484,764 | 5,325,574 |
| Total | 4,496,302 | 3,968,500 | 8,464,802 | 3,750,663 | 3,379,150 | 7,129,814 |
| 45 to 54 | 55 to 65 | |||||
| Male | Female | Total | Male | Female | Total | |
| Asian | 341,046 | 317,923 | 658,970 | 276,742 | 182,106 | 458,848 |
| Black | 327,903 | 415,507 | 743,411 | 289,515 | 364,485 | 654,000 |
| Indigenous American | 7,736 | 35,163 | 42,899 | 18,460 | 16,027 | 34,487 |
| Multiracial | 46,258 | 61,240 | 107,498 | 28,923 | 36,974 | 65,898 |
| White | 2,521,502 | 2,590,076 | 5,111,578 | 2,449,581 | 2,154,531 | 4,604,112 |
| Total | 3,244,445 | 3,419,910 | 6,664,355 | 3,063,222 | 2,754,123 | 5,817,345 |
| 66+ | Total | |||||
| Male | Female | Total | Male | Female | Total | |
| Asian | 221,316 | 215,664 | 436,981 | 1,754,227 | 1,392,462 | 3,146,689 |
| Black | 232,566 | 333,059 | 565,625 | 1,689,581 | 2,178,135 | 3,867,716 |
| Indigenous American | 14,462 | 23,481 | 37,943 | 86,199 | 137,059 | 223,259 |
| Multiracial | 42,023 | 44,983 | 87,006 | 348,386 | 312,784 | 661,170 |
| White | 3,141,716 | 3,012,307 | 6,154,023 | 14,328,322 | 13,130,739 | 27,459,061 |
| Total | 3,652,083 | 3,629,495 | 7,281,578 | 18,206,715 | 17,151,178 | 35,357,894 |
Source: Calculations using Annual Social and Economic Supplement, Current Population Survey.
Is College Worth It
Despite the increase in the number of people in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree, on average, people with a bachelor’s degree earn 84% more than those with a high school degree and 31% more than those with an associate’s degree. My students’ perspectives may result from misinformation or unrealistic expectations. I do not know which, nor do I believe, they are alone in their concerns. I am reasonably certain that if we do not find a way to calm their anxiety about employment, it will be difficult to implement policies that make education more accessible and expand employment opportunities for marginalized workers.
