An increasing number of parents, along with their children, are questioning whether a college education still offers the same return on investment as it once did. This concern is founded on the current job market conditions, which have reached levels reminiscent of the economic downturn experienced during the pandemic.
Historically, a college degree was perceived as a guaranteed pathway to a prosperous career. However, the landscape has shifted significantly, with a rising number of six-figure job opportunities now available that do not mandate a degree, while entry-level positions for recent graduates have become increasingly scarce.
In response to these economic realities, a significant portion of parents are contemplating alternatives to the traditional four-year degree. Recent survey data from Britebound (formerly American Student Assistance), which involved over 2,200 parents of middle and high school students, reveals that one in three parents is open to the idea of their children attending trade schools instead.
The survey indicates that 35% of parents now believe that career and technical education is more suitable for their children, marking a substantial increase from just 13% in 2019. Conversely, although a majority of parents still favor traditional college pathways, this figure has decreased to 58%, reflecting a 16 percentage point decline since 2019.
Moreover, another study conducted by Britebound last summer highlights a parallel trend: 70% of teenagers reported that their parents are increasingly supportive of exploring options beyond a college education, such as trade schools or apprenticeships.
Trevor Houston, a career strategist at ClearPath Wealth Strategies, articulates this shift, noting, “Parents are waking up. College doesn’t carry the same return on investment it once did, because the cost is outrageous, and the outcome is uncertain. Students now face the highest amount of debt ever recorded, but job security after graduation doesn’t really exist.”
The average cost of attending college in the United States exceeds $38,000 per year, which includes tuition and room and board, as reported by the Education Data Initiative. In contrast, more than 4 million members of Generation Z find themselves unemployed, attributing their difficulties to what they perceive as ‘worthless’ college degrees.
Trade jobs that pay six figures without a degree
Trade schools are gaining traction among students due to their potential for strong returns on investment, particularly as the cost of college rises and fewer traditional entry-level positions become available. Graduates of trade programs often secure six-figure salaries in various occupations:
- Aircraft Mechanics: $135,628
- Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, and Steamfitters: $132,275
- Construction Managers: $130,000
- Industrial Electricians: $122,500
- Energy Technicians: $115,076
The demand for skilled trade workers is expected to grow, especially as older generations in these fields retire, according to Julie Lammers, president and CEO of Britebound.
How much does trade school cost vs. college?
In addition to trade schools, students may consider apprenticeships, career-training programs, coding boot camps, industry certifications, and occupational licenses, many of which are significantly more affordable than a traditional college degree. For example, a coding boot camp may cost as little as $7,000, while annual college expenses can approach $40,000.
These alternative training options are often referred to as “new-collar jobs.” In October 2017, IBM initiated an apprenticeship program designed to prepare individuals for these new-collar roles, emphasizing skill acquisition over formal degrees and aligning with current job market demands.
Furthermore, in late 2025, the Trump administration introduced its Tech Force program, which allows technology professionals who are willing to commit to two-year positions at federal agencies to bypass degree or experience requirements. Participants in this program can earn salaries ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, driven by the high demand for tech expertise in today’s rapidly advancing environment.
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