Are trade skills now more valuable than a college degree?
Daniel Donovan
January 12, 2026
Going to college used to be a defining milestone in the classic American Dream. But as costs rise and returns on investment shrink, many young people are rethinking what “success” looks like and redefining the traditional path altogether.
A new study by Skillit finds that a growing majority of Americans now view trade skills as more valuable than a college diploma for landing a high-paying, stable job. This shift is driven by mounting frustration over tuition costs, student debt, and the threat of AI in the white-collar workforce.
The data paints a clear picture. Americans are turning to the trades not out of nostalgia but out of necessity, seeking stability, affordability, and a tangible path to prosperity.
