college degree

Skepticism about the value of a traditional four-year college degree is growing across the United States. According to The Wall Street Journal, nearly half of American parents say they would prefer their children not enroll in a four-year college. While higher education remains a valuable pathway for many students, this growing trend reflects a larger concern: Too many young people are told that college is the only route to success, even when it may not be the best fit for their interests, talents, or career goals. For decades, students have been encouraged to pursue a college degree regardless of their individual strengths or aspirations. As a result, many young adults enter college without a clear plan. Unsure of what career Read More ›

Keri D. Ingraham, Discovery Institute’s Senior Fellow and Director of the American Center for Transforming Education, was in Denver recently for ACE Scholarship events spanning two days. Ingraham was a featured speaker at the ACE Scholarships Education Freedom Tax Credit Symposium, held at the Four Seasons, on May 5. Her speech, “The Research Doesn’t Lie,” was well-received by attendees. The following day, Mike Rowe was the keynote speaker at the ACE Scholarship Annual Luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency. Rowe is an Emmy award-winning TV host, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, recording artist, and CEO of the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation. His foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships, reinvigorating the skilled trades in America. While in Denver, Read More ›

As the price tag of a college degree soars, the perceived value by parents, students, and employers alike is decreasing. A 2024 essay in The Wall Street Journal found, “Nearly half of parents say they would prefer not to send their children to a four-year college after high school, even if there were no obstacles, financial or otherwise.” Additionally, the report noted that two-thirds of high school students believe “they will be just fine without a college degree.” Furthermore, the findings of a November 2023 survey revealed that an astonishing 55 percent of US companies eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements for employment eligibility. Instead, employers are valuing skills and experience over education. Employers face growing challenges filling specialized jobs due to the misalignment between college Read More ›