Nine in ten graduates said learning a skilled trade can create a better pathway to financial security than going to college

Amid a high demand for skilled professionals such as electricians and plumbers, a growing number of recent university graduates in the United States are questioning the value of their costly education.

According to a survey conducted by Thumbtack, a platform connecting local professionals with customers seeking home services, nine out of ten graduates expressed the belief that learning a skilled trade could offer a more secure financial future than pursuing a college degree. The survey involved 1,000 young adults.

Nearly half of the respondents stated their interest in pursuing a career in skilled trades, citing reasons such as the comparatively lower cost and shorter duration of education required, which would help them avoid accumulating as much debt as typically associated with a college education.

A separate survey targeting professionals using the Thumbtack platform demonstrated a strong sense of optimism among these skilled trade workers regarding their future career prospects. They indicated a belief that their occupations would remain resistant to the potential displacement caused by artificial intelligence. The survey highlighted a prevailing sentiment that the demand for their services was robust and that their skills would likely continue to be in high demand, reducing the chances of automation replacing their roles.

In recent years, data has shown that individuals without a college degree have witnessed more substantial wage growth in the US, a trend that aligns with the current demand for skilled professionals and a potential shift in the perceived value of vocational education compared to traditional four-year degrees.