“I Don’t Know Why I Need to Go to College”: Ford CEO Says His Gen Z Son Questions the Value of a 4-Year Degree

 

For decades, the traditional path to success in America was clear: graduate high school, attend a four-year college, and secure a stable, well-paying job. But as the cost of education rises and the job market shifts, that formula is being challenged—especially by younger generations. Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley shared a telling story about his own Gen Z son, who worked as a mechanic and openly questioned whether pursuing a traditional college degree was even necessary in today’s world.

Farley’s son’s doubts reflect a growing sentiment among Gen Z students who are reevaluating the value of higher education. With mounting student debt, evolving career opportunities, and the rise of skilled trades and alternative learning options, the question—“Is college still worth it?”—is louder than ever.

The Changing Narrative Around Higher Education

For decades, a bachelor’s degree was seen as a ticket to financial security. But times have changed:

  • Tuition costs have skyrocketed. The average cost of a four-year degree in the U.S. can exceed $100,000, leading many students to begin their careers burdened with debt.
  • The job market is shifting. Employers are increasingly valuing skills, certifications, and real-world experience over degrees. Tech companies, startups, and even large corporations now prioritize demonstrable ability rather than formal education credentials.
  • Skilled trades are in demand. Sectors like mechanics, welding, and electrical work are offering competitive wages without the need for a college degree, while also struggling with worker shortages.

Why Gen Z Is Questioning the 4-Year Degree

Gen Z is the most digitally native, entrepreneurial generation yet. Unlike their parents, many of them grew up with access to online learning, YouTube tutorials, and skill-based platforms that allow them to self-educate at little or no cost. For them, spending years and tens of thousands of dollars on a degree feels less appealing when alternative pathways exist.

Some of the main reasons Gen Z is questioning college include:

  1. Rising Debt Burden: Student loans can take decades to repay, discouraging many from traditional routes.
  2. Alternative Career Paths: Digital skills, trades, and freelancing allow individuals to earn without degrees.
  3. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Many Gen Zers want to build businesses, become content creators, or enter fields where creativity matters more than a diploma.
  4. Changing Employer Demands: Tech giants like Google and Apple no longer require four-year degrees for many positions.

The Mechanic Example: Skills Over Titles

Farley’s son working as a mechanic underscores the value of practical, hands-on skills. Skilled trades can offer stable careers, strong earning potential, and immediate entry into the workforce—without the weight of student loans. In fact, the U.S. is currently facing a shortage of skilled labor, making such jobs even more lucrative.

This reflects a broader cultural shift: instead of defining success solely by academic achievement, many young people are beginning to embrace the dignity and opportunity of skilled work.

Is College Still Worth It?

The answer isn’t black and white. For certain professions—such as medicine, law, and engineering—a college degree remains essential. But for countless other careers, including roles in technology, digital marketing, design, and trades, success is no longer tied to a diploma.

College may still offer:

  • A valuable network of peers and mentors.
  • Structured learning and exposure to multiple disciplines.
  • Opportunities for internships and campus career programs.

However, its return on investment is being scrutinized like never before.

The Future of Education and Work

The debate sparked by Farley’s son highlights a key shift in how society views education. Moving forward, we may see:

  • Hybrid learning models combining online and offline education.
  • Greater respect for trade schools and vocational training.
  • Skill-based hiring becoming the norm in industries that once required degrees.
  • Micro-credentials and certifications gaining credibility as affordable, efficient alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Jim Farley’s story about his Gen Z son’s skepticism of college isn’t just a family anecdote—it’s a reflection of a national conversation. As young people weigh the costs of education against real-world opportunities, the definition of success is evolving.

The four-year degree is no longer the default path. Instead, skills, adaptability, and passion are becoming the new currency of the modern workforce. For Gen Z and the generations that follow, the future may not be about asking “Which college did you go to?” but rather “What skills can you bring to the table?”

 

Shweta Sharma