{"id":12628,"date":"2026-08-26T12:09:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T19:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/?p=12628"},"modified":"2026-08-26T12:09:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T19:09:28","slug":"is-college-worth-it-survey-shows-97-of-gen-z-affirm-the-value-of-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/apply-to-college\/is-college-worth-it-survey-shows-97-of-gen-z-affirm-the-value-of-college\/","title":{"rendered":"Is College Worth It? Survey Shows 97% of Gen Z Affirm the Value of College"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For Gen Z students, the decision to pursue higher education is more than a traditional rite of passage. It\u2019s a calculated investment in their future. To uncover how today\u2019s students perceive the value of a college degree, <a href=\"https:\/\/tracking.scholarshipowl.com\/aff_c?offer_id=24&amp;aff_id=1544&amp;source=homepage_blog\">ScholarshipOwl<\/a> conducted a national survey of 18,662 high school and college students.<\/p>\n<p>Despite rising tuition costs and public debate surrounding the return on investment (ROI) of higher education, our findings reveal that Gen Z overwhelmingly still views a college degree as an indispensable foundation for career stability, personal development, and long-term financial security.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Who We Surveyed<\/h2>\n<p>Our survey represents a diverse cross-section of today\u2019s student body:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Gender<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\">Female: 65%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,2\">Male: 34%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,4\">Other \/ Prefer not to state: 1%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Ethnicity<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\">Caucasian: 43%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,2\">African American: 25%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,4\">Hispanic\/Latino: 19%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,6\">Asian\/Pacific Islander: 6%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,8\">American Indian\/Native American: 1%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,10\">Other: 6%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>School Level<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\">High School Students (mostly seniors): 46%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,2\">College Undergraduates (mostly freshmen): 37%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,4\">Graduate Students: 11%<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,6\">Adult \/ Non-Traditional Students: 7%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"10\">Survey Results<\/h2>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"11\">Question 1: Why is a college education important to you? (Select all that apply)<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12\">When asked about their motivations, students prioritized practical career outcomes while also placing value on personal growth.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12658 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16.png\" alt=\"Why Gen Z Thinks a College Education Is Important\" width=\"1500\" height=\"816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16.png 1500w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-1024x557.png 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-80x44.png 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-128x70.png 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-320x174.png 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-450x245.png 450w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-625x340.png 625w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-827x450.png 827w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-16-919x500.png 919w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"13\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\">To prepare me to get a job in my desired field: 86%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\">Personal and intellectual growth: 70%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\">Job security \/ career advancement: 56%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,3,0\">To achieve higher earnings: 54%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,4,0\">To expand my social opportunities: 38%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,5,0\">Professional networking opportunities: 37%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,6,0\">It\u2019s important to my family: 26%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,7,0\">Without college, I don\u2019t think I can make it financially: 24%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 data-path-to-node=\"14\"><\/h4>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"14\">Question 2: In thinking about your own career goals, how important is it for you to have a college education?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15\">An overwhelming majority view higher education as a non-negotiable prerequisite to their professional goals.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12655 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17.png\" alt=\"Value of College Pie Chart\" width=\"1500\" height=\"816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17.png 1500w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-1024x557.png 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-80x44.png 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-128x70.png 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-320x174.png 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-450x245.png 450w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-625x340.png 625w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-827x450.png 827w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-17-919x500.png 919w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"16\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\">Extremely important: 79%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\">Very important: 18%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\">Somewhat important: 3%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,3,0\">Not very important: 1%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"17\">Question 3: Would you take out student loans if you are unable to afford college without them?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18\">Faced with steep financial barriers, most students are willing to take on debt to ensure they do not miss out on a degree.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12656 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18.png\" alt=\"Percent of Gen Z Who Would Take Out Student Loans to Afford College\" width=\"1500\" height=\"816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18.png 1500w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-1024x557.png 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-80x44.png 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-128x70.png 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-320x174.png 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-450x245.png 450w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-625x340.png 625w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-827x450.png 827w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Gummy-Bear-Hunt-1500-x-816-px-18-919x500.png 919w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"19\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\">Yes: 82%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\">No: 18%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"21\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"28\">A College Degree Remains Highly Valued<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"29\">A staggering 97% of surveyed students consider a degree either &#8220;extremely important&#8221; (79%) or &#8220;very important&#8221; (18%) to achieving their career goals.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"29\">Despite widespread media coverage, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/lifestyle\/careers\/gen-z-trades-jobs-plumbing-welding-a76b5e43\"><em>Wall Street Journal<\/em><\/a> highlighting Gen Z as the &#8216;Toolbelt Generation&#8217; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studentclearinghouse.org\/nscblog\/vocational-focused-public-2-years-lead-enrollment-rise\/\">National Student Clearinghouse data<\/a> showing a 16% surge in vocational program enrollment, our data proves that traditional higher education remains the gold standard in the eyes of students. In fact, just 1% of our respondents said a degree was &#8220;not very important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"29\">For most Gen Z students, short-term certificates are not viewed as a sufficient replacement for a college degree.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"22\">Primary Motivation is Career Readiness<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"23\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12653 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga.jpg\" alt=\"student at job interview\" width=\"1200\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-80x44.jpg 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-128x70.jpg 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-320x175.jpg 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-449x245.jpg 449w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-623x340.jpg 623w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-824x450.jpg 824w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_okgabgokgabgokga-916x500.jpg 916w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"23\">The primary motivation for attending college is career-driven, with 86% of survey respondents indicating they want a degree to prepare for a job in their desired field.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"24\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salliemae.com\/about\/leading-research\/how-america-pays-for-college\/\">Sallie Mae\u2019s <i data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"35\">How America Pays for College<\/i> report<\/a> underscores this financial weight, revealing that the average college family spent $34,019 on higher education in the 2025\u20132026 academic year, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year. With higher education continuing to climb, today&#8217;s students understand that preparation for employment and career advancement determines their financial future.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"25\">Intrinsic Value and Personal Growth Remain Vital<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"26\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12652 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh.jpg\" alt=\"students in a college classroom\" width=\"1200\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-80x44.jpg 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-128x70.jpg 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-320x175.jpg 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-449x245.jpg 449w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-623x340.jpg 623w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-824x450.jpg 824w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_gzfhgzgzfhgzgzfh-916x500.jpg 916w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"26\">While job preparation is the primary reason that students feel that a college education is important, the desire for &#8220;personal and intellectual growth&#8221; was cited by 70% of respondents, outranking direct financial benefits like job security\/career advancement (56%) and higher earnings (54%).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"27\">This mirrors sentiment found in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salliemae.com\/about\/leading-research\/how-america-pays-for-college\/\">Sallie Mae\u2019s report<\/a>, where 71% of college families view higher education as appropriately priced or even a bargain relative to its value. Students still find value in the holistic aspects of a traditional college experience.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"31\">The &#8220;Loan Willingness&#8221; Gap vs. Financial Reality<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"32\">When asked if they would take out student loans if necessary, 82% of respondents answered &#8220;Yes.&#8221; This aligns with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salliemae.com\/about\/leading-research\/how-america-pays-for-college\/\">Sallie Mae&#8217;s findings<\/a> that\u00a075% of families state they would rather borrow than have their student miss out on college entirely. This willingness to borrow demonstrates that students are so determined to secure a degree that they may accept loans without fully exhausting debt-free funding avenues first.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"36\">Maximize Debt-Free Funding Before You Borrow<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"37\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12651 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx.jpg\" alt=\"student meeting with financial aid advisor\" width=\"1200\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-80x44.jpg 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-128x70.jpg 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-320x175.jpg 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-449x245.jpg 449w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-623x340.jpg 623w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-824x450.jpg 824w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qrvx8gqrvx8gqrvx-916x500.jpg 916w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"37\">While 82% of students are prepared to take on student loans, borrowing shouldn&#8217;t be the default option. Before taking on debt, students should exhaust all sources of gift aid and earnings.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0\">Federal and State Grants via the FAFSA<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0\">Completing the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fafsa.gov\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/a> is the single most important step in securing debt-free funding. It unlocks a student&#8217;s ability to determine their eligibility for need-based federal and state grants that do not need to be repaid. By submitting the FAFSA, students may also be able to qualify for institutional need-based aid.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0\">Despite this, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salliemae.com\/about\/leading-research\/how-america-pays-for-college\/\">Sallie Mae<\/a> reports that 26% of college families skip the FAFSA entirely, often assuming their income is too high or that they won&#8217;t qualify.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,1,0\">Income from Student Work &amp; Savings<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,1,0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salliemae.com\/about\/leading-research\/how-america-pays-for-college\/\">Sallie Mae<\/a> reports that student income and savings cover 10% of total college costs. Part-time work, federal work-study jobs, or campus employment enable students to cashflow a portion of their educational expenses, reducing their reliance on student loans. Employment also offers additional benefits, enabling students to develop skills and experience that build their resume and LinkedIn profile, and that can result in higher wages after they graduate.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0\">Private and Institutional Scholarships<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0\">Scholarships are an often untapped source of funds for reducing out-of-pocket costs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salliemae.com\/about\/leading-research\/how-america-pays-for-college\/\">Sallie Mae\u2019s report<\/a> reveals that 3 out of 4 students who didn&#8217;t receive a scholarship simply <i data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"202\">never applied for scholarships in the first place.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"39\">Fast-Track Your Debt-Free Journey with ScholarshipOwl<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"40\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12650 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo.jpg\" alt=\"Student applying for scholarships\" width=\"1200\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-80x40.jpg 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-128x63.jpg 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-320x158.jpg 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-496x245.jpg 496w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-688x340.jpg 688w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-911x450.jpg 911w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_o5seyo5seyo5seyo-1012x500.jpg 1012w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"40\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/apply-for-scholarships\/how-scholarshipowl-changes-the-scholarship-game\/\">Googling for scholarships<\/a> often leads to dead end results, outdated listings, and application fatigue. <a href=\"https:\/\/tracking.scholarshipowl.com\/aff_c?offer_id=24&amp;aff_id=1544&amp;source=homepage_blog\">ScholarshipOwl<\/a> transforms this experience by utilizing an AI-powered smart matching system that simplifies your path to debt-free college funding:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,0,0\">Personalized Smart Matching<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,0,0\">Instead of digging through thousands of random listings, ScholarshipOwl matches your profile with vetted opportunities you&#8217;re eligible for, and that you have a higher likelihood of winning.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,1,0\">One Universal Application<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,1,0\">Your ScholarshipOwl profile serves as a universal application, enabling you to save significant time. You literally won&#8217;t have to complete individual application forms, eliminating the hassle of re-entering basic details over and over again.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,2,0\">Built-in Essay &amp; Application Tools<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,2,0\">Access smart tools like AI essay support, deadline filters, and credibility scores to keep your application strategy focused on legitimate, high-value opportunities. You&#8217;ll be able to view the number of applicants for every single scholarship, enabling you to prioritize low-competition scholarships, boosting your chance of winning.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,3,0\">Automatic Re-Applications<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-path-to-node=\"41,3,0\">For recurring draws and ongoing awards, ScholarshipOwl automatically re-applies you, keeping your application funnel full year-round with minimal effort.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"43\">The Lasting Power of a College Degree<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"44\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12649 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8.jpg\" alt=\"student moving into dorm\" width=\"1200\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-80x44.jpg 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-128x70.jpg 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-320x175.jpg 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-449x245.jpg 449w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-623x340.jpg 623w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-824x450.jpg 824w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_aen8b8aen8b8aen8-916x500.jpg 916w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"44\">Gen Z approaches higher education as a practical, necessary step for building skills and preparing for their career and future economic stability. They also feel that a college education provides intrinsic value, supporting their desire for personal and intellectual growth.\u00a0Their instinct that higher education pays off is backed by hard economic data.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">According to research from the <a href=\"https:\/\/cew.georgetown.edu\/cew-reports\/collegepayoff2021\/\">Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (<i data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"92\">The College Payoff<\/i>)<\/a>, median lifetime earnings increase substantially with every step of educational attainment:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"5\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\">High School Diploma: $1.6 million<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\">Some College (no degree): $1.9 million<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\">Associate Degree: $2.0 million<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\">Bachelor\u2019s Degree: $2.8 million<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6\">Bachelor\u2019s degree holders earn a median of $2.8 million over their careers, which is 75% more than those with only a high school diploma and $800,000 more than those with an associate degree. While alternative credentials and short-term certificate programs can offer quick entries into the workforce, a bachelor&#8217;s degree remains the most reliable pathway to compounding long-term wealth, career stability, and upward mobility.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">Perhaps this is why 82% of students are prepared to take on student loan debt to reach their goals. But taking on debt should always be a last resort.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12663 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02.jpg\" alt=\"college grad taking a selfie\" width=\"1200\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-80x44.jpg 80w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-128x70.jpg 128w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-320x175.jpg 320w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-449x245.jpg 449w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-623x340.jpg 623w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-824x450.jpg 824w, https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gemini_Generated_Image_6k02206k02206k02-916x500.jpg 916w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"46\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/tracking.scholarshipowl.com\/aff_c?offer_id=24&amp;aff_id=1544&amp;source=homepage_blog\">ScholarshipOwl<\/a>, we believe students shouldn&#8217;t have to compromise their financial futures to earn a degree. By dispelling scholarship myths, filing the FAFSA early, and applying for scholarships on the <a href=\"https:\/\/tracking.scholarshipowl.com\/aff_c?offer_id=24&amp;aff_id=1544&amp;url_id=263&amp;source=registration_blog\">ScholarshipOwl platform<\/a>, students can bridge their funding gaps and focus on what truly matters: reaching their full academic and professional potential. Not yet a member of ScholarshipOwl? Get started today with your<a href=\"https:\/\/tracking.scholarshipowl.com\/aff_c?offer_id=24&amp;aff_id=1544&amp;url_id=263&amp;source=registration_blog\"> free 7-day trial<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"46\">For Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/gen-z-research\/how-students-afford-college-in-2026-new-survey-reveals-gen-zs-survival-strategies\/\">How Students Afford College in 2026: New Survey Reveals Gen Z\u2019s Survival Strategies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/apply-to-college\/college-application-strategies-get-accepted-to-your-dream-college\/\">College Application Strategies: Get Accepted to Your Dream School<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/student-loans\/obbba-student-loan-impacts-everything-you-need-to-know\/\">OBBBA Student Loan Impacts: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/gen-z-research\/paying-for-college-in-2026-survey-reveals-the-growing-funding-gap\/\">Paying for College in 2026: Survey Reveals the Growing Funding Gap<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/scholarships\/how-to-find-and-apply-for-scholarships-that-are-actually-worth-your-effort\/\">How to Find and Apply for Scholarships that Are Actually Worth Your Effort<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For Gen Z students, the decision to pursue higher education is more than a traditional rite of passage. It\u2019s a calculated investment in their future. To uncover how today\u2019s students perceive the value of a college degree, ScholarshipOwl conducted a national survey of 18,662 high school and college students. Despite rising tuition costs and public [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":12636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[160,19,155,164,171,163,94],"tags":[140,165,315,170,136,89,166,182],"class_list":["post-12628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apply-to-college","category-apply-for-scholarships","category-college-life","category-gen-z-research","category-paying-for-college","category-pr-link","category-scholarships","tag-applying-for-college","tag-gen-z-students","tag-gen-z-survey","tag-paying-for-college","tag-scholarshipowl","tag-scholarships","tag-survey","tag-value-of-college"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9-RC1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is College Worth It? Survey Shows 97% of Gen Z Affirm the Value of College | ScholarshipOwl<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is a degree still worth it? Discover why 97% of Gen Z students affirm the value of college for career success.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/apply-to-college\/is-college-worth-it-survey-shows-97-of-gen-z-affirm-the-value-of-college\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Is College Worth It? Survey Shows 97% of Gen Z Affirm the Value of College | ScholarshipOwl\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Is a degree still worth it? Discover why 97% of Gen Z students affirm the value of college for career success.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/apply-to-college\/is-college-worth-it-survey-shows-97-of-gen-z-affirm-the-value-of-college\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ScholarshipOwl\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-26T19:09:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Blog-Post-Gen-Z-Insights-Briefing-Jan-2023-17.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2240\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1260\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jennifer Finetti\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jennifer Finetti\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/scholarshipowl.com\\\/blog\\\/apply-to-college\\\/is-college-worth-it-survey-shows-97-of-gen-z-affirm-the-value-of-college\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/scholarshipowl.com\\\/blog\\\/apply-to-college\\\/is-college-worth-it-survey-shows-97-of-gen-z-affirm-the-value-of-college\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jennifer Finetti\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/scholarshipowl.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/11276089b815a2a2ca2aac7a1e47f0db\"},\"headline\":\"Is College Worth It? 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