Demand for College Labor in the 21st Century
Tracing the evolution of labor demand in the United
States, this Economic Commentary reveals that the disproportionate rise in
relative productivity of college-educated labor that shaped the latter half of
the 20th century has plateaued since 2000. Our analysis suggests that technical
change in the 21st century may no longer favor college graduates, in which case
further growth in the employment share of college-educated workers would likely
lower the premium that college-educated workers receive compared with
non-college-educated workers.
Why US Men Think College Isn’t Worth It Anymore
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-21/why-american-men-think-it-s-not-worth-going-to-college-anymore
Rising tuition, the spread of more traditional ideas of masculinity on social media and a desire for an immediate income are working together to set boys on a different path.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-21/why-american-men-think-it-s-not-worth-going-to-college-anymore
Rising tuition, the spread of more traditional ideas of masculinity on social media and a desire for an immediate income are working together to set boys on a different path.
Is College Still Worth It Economically?
Falling College Wage Premiums by Race and Ethnicity
https://www.frbsf.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/el2023-22.pdf
Workers with a college degree typically earn substantially more than workers with less education. This so-called college wage premium increased for several decades, but it has been flat to down in recent years and declined notably since the pandemic. Analysis indicates that this reflects an acceleration of wage gains for high school graduates rather than a slowdown for college graduates. This pattern is most evident for workers in racial and ethnic groups other than White, possibly reflecting an unusually tight labor market that may have altered their college attendance decisions.
Workers with a college degree typically earn substantially more than workers with less education. This so-called college wage premium increased for several decades, but it has been flat to down in recent years and declined notably since the pandemic. Analysis indicates that this reflects an acceleration of wage gains for high school graduates rather than a slowdown for college graduates. This pattern is most evident for workers in racial and ethnic groups other than White, possibly reflecting an unusually tight labor market that may have altered their college attendance decisions.
UK: White-collar graduates earning thousands less amid ‘brain waste’ crisis
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/01/white-collar-graduates-earn-thousands-less-amid-overqualifi/
Graduates’ salary premium is being eroded by inflation and a soaring minimum wage.
Related:
https://thehill.com/opinion/education/590971-will-the-us-higher-education-bubble-finally-burst/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/01/white-collar-graduates-earn-thousands-less-amid-overqualifi/
Graduates’ salary premium is being eroded by inflation and a soaring minimum wage.
Related:
https://thehill.com/opinion/education/590971-will-the-us-higher-education-bubble-finally-burst/