Why Gen Z Students Think Education Isn't Worth It: A Bold Look At The Future Of Learning

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

There’s a quiet rebellion brewing in classrooms and college campuses around the world — and it’s being led by Gen Z. Unlike generations before them, Gen Z isn’t blindly signing up for college and university degrees just because it’s “what you’re supposed to do.” Instead, they’re asking the tough questions: Is it worth it? What am I getting in return? And most importantly — is there a smarter way?

As someone who’s been watching this shift unfold, and as a part of this generation myself, I decided it was time to pull back the curtain and talk about what’s really going on — not just in the headlines, but in everyday conversations happening between friends, in group chats, and on social media.

The ROI Anxiety: College vs. Cost of Living

Let’s get real: college is expensive. And Gen Z isn’t buying the “just get a degree and everything will fall into place” narrative anymore. We’ve grown up watching our older siblings and cousins drown in student loans while working jobs that barely cover rent.

Many of us are asking — is a degree really a good investment when the job market is so uncertain? We’re making a cost-benefit analysis that previous generations didn’t even consider. It’s not that we don’t value learning. We’re just not convinced that paying ₹15–20 lakhs (or more) for a piece of paper makes sense anymore.

Skills > Degrees: Welcome to the Credential Revolution

Here’s the thing: we’re not anti-education. We’re just anti-waste. Platforms like Google Career Certificates, IBM SkillsBuild, and even YouTube have opened up a new world of learning — one that’s faster, more focused, and (often) free.

Instead of a 4-year generalist degree, Gen Z is looking for micro-credentials, real-world experience, and skills that actually get us hired. Whether it’s coding, video editing, digital marketing, or design — we’re building our toolkits our way.

The Disconnect: What Colleges Teach vs. What Jobs Need

Another big issue? Relevance. A lot of university curriculums feel stuck in the past. We’re being taught outdated tools, theoretical frameworks, and endless exams — while companies are looking for adaptability, soft skills, and problem-solving.

One of my friends who studied marketing in college told me, “We never even touched digital ads or Instagram campaigns in class — but that’s 90% of the job I’m doing now.” That sums it up. There’s a real mismatch between the classroom and the boardroom.

Real Voices from Gen Z

Here’s what some of my peers are saying:

“I dropped out after one year. Now I freelance as a graphic designer, make double what I’d make in a job, and I’m debt-free.” – Aayushi, 23

“My brother has an MBA and drives an Uber. I’m doing a plumbing apprenticeship and already saving for a house.” – Rohan, 21

These aren’t outliers. They’re part of a larger, growing movement.

Let’s Talk Money: What the Numbers Say

Surveys show that nearly 1 in 3 Gen Z students question whether college is worth it. According to Intelligent.com, 39% of Gen Z believe they’d be better off skipping college altogether.

But the flip side is real too: data still shows that college grads tend to earn more over a lifetime. So where’s the truth? It’s complicated. And it depends on your field, your hustle, and your access to alternatives.

Parents, Teachers, and Employers: What They’re Saying

A lot of parents from Gen X or Boomers still see college as “the only way.” And that’s fair — for their generation, it was. But employers are starting to get it. More companies are dropping degree requirements and focusing on portfolios and practical tests.

Even university administrators are catching on. Some are rolling out modular programs, hybrid learning, and industry-linked certifications to keep up.

So, What Does the Future Look Like?

The future isn’t anti-college. It’s pro-choice. Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook — and that means:

More flexible, career-specific programs
Pay-as-you-learn models
Greater value on self-taught skills and apprenticeships
A cultural shift that stops judging people by their degrees

We’re still learners. Just not the kind that sits in a lecture hall because we have to.

Final Thoughts: Education Is Evolving — And So Are We

If you’re Gen Z like me, you’re probably tired of being told what you “should” do. This isn’t about rebellion. It’s about practicality. We’re not rejecting education. We’re redefining it.

Whether you’re building a YouTube career, getting a Google cert, or pursuing a PhD — do it on your terms. Because the real value of education isn’t the stamp — it’s the skills, the confidence, and the freedom to create your own path.

And that’s something worth investing in.