College Tuition Isn't Good Investment, Quarter of Students Say

A growing share of college students say the cost of higher education isn't worth it, according to a new WalletHub survey.

More than one in four students, or 28 percent, say their tuition is not a good investment, according to WalletHub's Student Money Survey.

The poll asked more than 200 current college students nationwide about their views on college costs, borrowing and financial preparedness.

“These results are not surprising. When compared to overall inflation, tuition has skyrocketed and wages are stagnant,” Drew Powers, founder of Illinois-based Powers Financial Group, told Newsweek. “The cost-benefit analysis of a four-year degree is far more nuanced than it was just 20 years ago.”

Why It Matters

Whether students believe college is a good financial investment has real implications for enrollment, borrowing and the future workforce.

While most students still say college is worth the cost, the fact that more than one in four now disagree highlights growing skepticism at a time when tuition remains high and student debt continues to be a burden for millions.

What To Know

While most students still believe college is worth the price, the share questioning tuition's value has edged higher compared with recent years, tracking alongside ongoing concerns over student debt and the rising cost of attendance.

A WalletHub survey reported in 2024 found 77 percent of students viewed their tuition as a good investment, meaning about 23 percent did not. The latest survey's 28 percent figure suggests a slight increase in skepticism rather than a dramatic break, but experts say it continues a broader pattern of unease about college costs.

"Experience trumps education in many cases. A lot of people can do just as well, if not better, going the apprenticeship route versus sitting in classrooms learning things they may never actually use," Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek.

"That said, college isn't just about the coursework. It's about expanding your thinking, learning how to operate as an adult, and doing it in a more contained environment. That part still matters."

Students' concerns about tuition come as college costs remain high nationwide, even as recent annual increases have slowed when adjusted for inflation.

According to U.S. News & World Report, average tuition and fees rose about 3 percent year over year in the 2025-2026 academic year, with much higher prices at private colleges. Those costs, combined with living expenses, continue to drive student loan borrowing.

“The reality is the average college graduate still makes significantly more money over their working lifetimes when compared to those who have only a high school diploma, with amounts ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million in additional income,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. “The problem for many students who have either just graduated or are approaching graduation is they find themselves in an economic environment where many entry-level jobs are getting cut.”

“If your employment options seem more limited, yet you’re receiving notification your student loan payments will need to start soon, it’s easy to see why some are doubting the ROI.”

The WalletHub Student Money Survey also found that 30 percent of students said student loan debt is their biggest post‑graduation fear, and 52 percent said their school is not doing enough to prepare them financially. And 33 percent said the federal government should not provide loans for schools with very expensive tuition.

“The only students exposed to the issues of revolving debt are the ones who learned the hard way by getting behind on their credit cards,” Powers said. “Social media presents a fantasy world of private jets, designer handbags and dubious financial schemes. Add it all together, and it is easy for the young graduate to overspend, under-invest, chase fraudulent opportunities, and find themselves in real financial trouble.”

What Happens Next

Even small shifts in sentiment can influence whether students choose four‑year colleges, opt for cheaper alternatives like community colleges, or avoid college altogether in the future.

"A lot of kids still want to go to college, and the numbers reflect that. Many are still trying to figure out what's next, and school becomes the place where they do that," Thompson said. "If more people are pushed out of college and straight into the workforce, you could see downward pressure on wages over time simply from an increased supply of labor. And if we're being honest, many corporations would welcome that."

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 3:01 PM.