Gen Z content creators are earning millions from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, often bypassing traditional college education, which is increasingly questioned for its necessity. Successful creators like Katie Fang, MrBeast, and KSI demonstrate that building a community and engaging audiences can lead to lucrative careers, though education still offers valuable skills and perspectives. The trend highlights a shift in career aspirations among younger generations, emphasizing digital entrepreneurship over traditional paths.
A Pew Research Center survey reveals that only 1 in 4 Americans now believe a bachelor's degree is necessary for a well-paying job, a significant drop from 15 years ago. This shift is attributed to rising higher education costs and improved job prospects for young men without college degrees. Despite this, college graduates still earn significantly more and accumulate greater wealth compared to those with only a high school education. The survey also highlights growing skepticism about the value of college, especially if it requires taking on debt.
A Pew Research Center study reveals that while economic outcomes for young adults with and without college degrees have improved, Americans hold mixed views on the value of a four-year college degree. Earnings and wealth have increased for both groups, but the gap in earnings between degree holders and non-degree holders remains. Public opinion is divided, with many questioning whether the cost of college is worth it, especially given rising tuition and student debt. Views on the importance of a college degree also vary significantly by political affiliation.
Walmart is dropping the college degree requirement for certain corporate jobs at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as part of an initiative to invest in skills-based systems and attract more workers. The company has a history of promoting from within, with 75% of salaried managers at U.S. stores and supply chain facilities starting in hourly roles. Walmart is now expanding this approach by rewriting job descriptions to consider skills alongside degrees, offering an either/or option for applicants. While degrees may still be required in some cases, Walmart recognizes that there are many roles where a degree is unnecessary, including at corporate headquarters.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles fulfilled a promise to his late mother by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in youth and community development from Mount St. Mary's University at the age of 59. Bowles left Temple University to begin his NFL career 37 years ago and missed the second day of the Buccaneers' rookie camp to attend the graduation ceremony. He played eight seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl in 1988 before turning to coaching and eventually becoming the head coach of the Buccaneers last year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles fulfilled a promise to his late mother by earning his college degree in youth and community development from Mount St. Mary's University, 37 years after leaving school to enter the NFL. Bowles missed the second day of Buccaneers rookie camp to attend the ceremony in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he addressed the graduating class and earned a standing ovation from the students and faculty.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles fulfilled a 37-year-old promise to his mother by receiving a college degree from Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland. Bowles left Temple University in 1986 to pursue a playing career in the NFL, but he completed his work for a Bachelor of Science degree in youth and community development last September. His mother, Joan, died of cancer in 2009. Bowles' longtime agent, Anthony Agnone, is a Mount St. Mary’s alumnus and set up his return in 2020, taking online courses while working as Buccaneers defensive coordinator, then head coach.
