For decades, students have been told that college is the key to success. Teachers, parents and counselors often encourage graduating high schoolers to earn a college degree because it will lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries and a more stable future. But with rising tuition costs, student debt and alternative career paths growing in popularity, many high schoolers and adults are beginning to ask: is college really worth it?

There are clear benefits to getting a college education. A study done by the Pew Research Center shows that on average, young college graduates are earning $30,000 more after working for one year compared to people with only a high school diploma. Additionally, over their lifetimes, college graduates will earn $1.2 million more than those with only a high school diploma. Many jobs in fields like medicine, engineering and education require a degree, meaning that for some careers, college isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity.

Beyond academics, college also offers a chance to grow personally, gain independence and make connections that could help in the future. Networking with professors, classmates and industry professionals can open doors to internships and job opportunities that might not be available otherwise.

Addyson Crocker (12) thinks that while college tuition is hard to deal with, the benefits from the college experience are worth it.

“I think college is worth it because it gives you experience and skills you can’t get anywhere else, like learning how to live on your own and being away from family and friends. Yes, it can cause debt, but if you have a college degree, you have more job opportunities,” Crocker said.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest concerns is the cost. College tuition has increased dramatically over the years. Tuition inflation has been approximately 6.53% per year since 1968, according to educationdata.org, leaving many students thousands of dollars in debt by the time they graduate. Some students struggle to find jobs that pay enough to cover their loans, making it difficult to afford necessary items down the road. Additionally, a degree doesn’t always guarantee a job, which can result in tough financial situations after college.

Charles Crenshaw (12) thinks that college is worth it, but students must be aware of the price they’re paying for it.

“I think college can help you because college graduates earn a higher salary, but students must be careful of student debt. I also think that college should be less expensive to make it more available to students from all financial situations,” Crenshaw said.

With the job market constantly changing, alternative paths to success have become more appealing. Trade schools, apprenticeships and self-taught skills, like coding or digital marketing, are leading to high-paying careers without the burden of student loans. Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, didn’t follow the traditional college route, proving that there are different ways to achieve success.

So, is college worth it? The answer depends on each individual’s goals and situation. For some, a degree is needed for their prospective career. For others, gaining hands-on experience or pursuing a trade might be a smarter choice. The most important thing is for students to consider all options, research different paths and make the decision that is best for them.

Tony Thompson, a Spartanburg High School economics teacher, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the college experience.

“College can help a person for life. The knowledge, skills and experience you acquire through higher education can lead to terrific opportunities that otherwise might be unavailable. And there’s this obvious benefit: College graduates earn more. Significantly more,” Thompson said. “College price inflation defies gravity and breaks the economic rules that normally moderate prices, and some of the causes for that are downright crazy. The bad news is that price relief is nowhere in sight. The good news is that the cost of a college education is like most other things: It is negotiable, and it can be managed. Getting a traditional college education can be a great path for a lot of people. My experience at the University of South Carolina was a life-changer. So for me, it was a great time and a terrific investment.”