A new study suggests the long-standing belief that a four-year degree is the safest path to a stable, high-paying career is rapidly losing ground. As college tuition continues to rise, student loan debt balloons, and AI reshapes the white-collar workforce, many Americans say the future belongs to trade skills.
A new study from Skillit surveyed Americans nationwide and found a clear cultural shift: hands-on trade skills are now viewed as more valuable than traditional degrees when it comes to real-world career security. According to the findings, 60% of Americans believe trade skills are more valuable than a college diploma for securing a well-paying job, while 39% say the trades offer better long-term stability.
Much of this shift is tied to the cost and risk of the college route. An overwhelming 75% believe the price of a college degree outweighs its benefits in 2025, and 68% say trade careers provide a faster return on investment, often allowing workers to earn while they train rather than accumulating years of debt.
That debt burden is a defining factor: 88% of respondents say student loans make trade careers far more appealing, especially as younger workers watch debt delay major milestones like buying a home or starting a family.
Meanwhile, concerns about automation are accelerating the trend. Nearly half of Americans (45%) worry that AI will replace college-educated workers within the next decade, prompting many to view skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, as more “AI-proof” than office jobs.
Taken together, the findings suggest a significant shift in the workforce, where practical skills may soon surpass diplomas in securing a stable financial future.
You can find the full study here: https://skillit.com/blog/are-trade-skills-more-valuable-than-college