Axios AM
September 14, 2025
Mike Allen
1 big thing: The college edge
Data: Gallup. Chart: Axios Visuals
The share of Americans who say college is "very important" has plummeted over the past decade, Axios' Emily Peck reports from new Gallup polling.
- Why it matters: College may not live up to the American Dream that it promised in the past, and there are alternative pathways for success that are becoming more appealing for Gen Z. But in terms of lifetime earnings, a college degree remains a stark indicator.
The big picture: There are plenty of reasons for the decline in perceived value among Americans.
- School is expensive, student loan debt is often onerous and job security for those with degrees has diminished.
- There's also growing interest and appeal for young adults in the skilled trades — becoming plumbers, electricians, etc. — especially as AI appears to threaten white collar work.
Data: Census Bureau. Chart: Axios Visuals
But college grads earn more than twice what high-school graduates make.
- The median income in a household headed by someone with at least a bachelor's degree was $132,700 last year — that's more than double the $58,410 median income of a household led by a high-school grad, according to Census income data released last week.
- Earnings for college-led households have pulled away from the pack — rising more than 6% over the past two decades, compared with a 3% increase for high school graduates.
Reality check: It's certainly possible to become successful without a degree — just ask Mark Zuckerberg.
- Plus, the rapid advancement of AI is fueling concern about job prospects for knowledge workers across industries. And shortages of certain blue-collar workers have put a spotlight on the trades as a strong alternative career path.