U.S. job salary: degree or debt? This is a course that offers fat salary

Is college worth it in the United States? Many young people are asking this question now because colleges become very expensive. The country’s student loan debt is close to $1.8 trillion. That’s a big number. So people wonder, is going to college still a wise idea? The answer is yes for many, but it depends on what you are learning.Colleges in the United States are expensive, but most people who get a degree end up earning more than those who don’t have one. On average, college graduates earn about $32,000 more per year than high school graduates, and this gap grows with experience. However, not all degrees pay the same fees, such as fields such as computer science, engineering, and healthcare often offer better paid jobs, while liberal arts degrees may earn lower returns. So, according to the USA Today report, if you choose the topic carefully, college will be a good investment.
People who study mathematics, computer science, or engineering usually see the biggest reward, earning about 18% per year. Health-related degrees also performed well, with a return of about 14%. On the other hand, liberal arts degree brings about 8% of the bonus, and for some students, especially those who work in low-paying jobs, the reward can be very low or even zero. It is also important to complete your degree on time. Students who spend more than four years graduating often see lower returns.
For today’s graduates, salary is one of the most important things to do when looking for a job. According to Monster’s 2025 graduate report, 62% of new graduates say a good salary is their top priority. Almost half say they won’t find a job without providing decent salary and benefits, and only 12% are willing to work for free through a free internship. Most young people want to work in areas such as business, healthcare, finance or technology that usually offer better salaries.

Many people worry about the cost of college and skip it altogether, but most students don’t pay the full list price. In 2024-25, the average annual fee after financial aid for public universities is about $2,480, and the average cost of private aid is $16,510, less than a decade ago. Student debt isn’t as bad as many people think. Half of the public college graduates in 2022-23 are debt-free, while those who owe the money on average about $29,300. Some experts believe that the student loan crisis is often exaggerated.

Many Americans are beginning to doubt the value of college, especially if it means borrowing. According to Pew, only about a quarter of people think a degree is very important to get a good job. Politics has exacerbated chaos, and actions such as the Trump administration threaten to cut funding from top schools on diversity issues. A major problem is that universities usually don’t make it clear what the students will actually pay after financial aid. For example, while Princeton lists its annual cost as above $82,000, most students pay around $10,000, many families don’t know that tools such as “Instant Net Price Estimator” and “MyIntuition” can help reveal the actual cost. College can still be a good choice, but you have to feel smart about it. You should choose a major that will bring you an excellent job, try to finish college in four years and know how much it actually costs. Students need simple and clear information to see if the university is the right path and what kind of future it can bring to them.

FAQ

Q1. Is it a good idea to go to college in the United States?
A1. Yes, especially if you choose a major with a strong job prospect, such as Tech or Healthcare.

Q2. Do all students end up with heavy debts?
A2. No, many are financially aided, and nearly half of public college graduates are not in debt.