Many young adults are debating whether college is worth it.
Why? Start with the price tag. According to data from the Pew Research Center, nearly a third of Americans don’t believe college is “worth the cost”; almost half say it isn’t if students need to take out loans to pay for higher ed.
Another major factor: Many younger Americans – including Black and Latino students – contend they can build solid, well-paying careers without seeking any further education. In a 2025 survey by New America, a think tank, more than two-thirds of young Americans agreed “there are lots of well-paying, stable jobs that people can find with only a high school diploma or GED.”
Vocational programs and trade schools are also seeing a bump in participation – a trend now backed by changes to federal funding under President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’
But that’s not the whole story for students. This fall, Minnesota saw a 7 percent increase in enrollment at state colleges and universities compared to last spring, according to reporting from MPR News. Many factors are contributing to enrollment increases, including the North Star Promise. This new program, for families earning less than $80,000 a year, makes tuition free at a wide variety of Minnesota’s public and Tribal campuses.
So, how are students of color in Minnesota weighing the value and costs of college? Sahan Journal will be exploring this question with young Minnesotans in an upcoming Community Conversation, co-produced with Minnesota Public Radio News and its North Star Journeys Live program.
We’re inviting young people to share their experiences and their ideas about what to do after high school. Our onstage panelists will include young adults of color who are pursuing a trade, enrolled in a four-year degree or launching businesses of their own. And we’ll include a few professionals who work to advise and help students find the right path.
Are you a student? A parent or caregiver? An educator or employer? Join Sahan Journal and MPR News as we explore “Is College Worth It?”
We hope to see you at this live community conversation on Thursday, October 9, at 6:00 p.m., in the studio of the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, located at 550 Vandalia Street in St. Paul.
This event is free and open to the public. All community members are encouraged to attend. Registration is strongly encouraged. Learn more and register here.
