With 51 percent of Gen Z calling college a 'waste of money', Canadian HR must blend skills-first approaches, AI readiness, and lifelong learning
May 05, 2025
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Indeed’s latest survey reveals a stark generational split in how workers view returns on a college education – just 20 percent of Baby Boomers say their degree was a waste of money, compared with 41 percent of Millennials.
A striking 51 percent of Gen Z respondents feel they spent time and money on a credential that no longer pays off.
These findings underscore growing skepticism among younger cohorts in the US, where the report was conducted; however, Statistics Canada data reminds us why credentials still matter here; median employment income for workers with only a high‑school diploma stands at $25 000, while those holding a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $53 600 – more than double the high‑school figure.
As Ron Babin, professor at the Ted Rogers School of IT Management, explains, Canada has one of the highest levels of education in the world – perhaps because of that steep earnings divide, but also due to tuition caps and generally more accessible education.
“Getting your degree is really important, because it'll be the difference of tens of thousands of dollars per year in your paycheck,” says Babin.
“So the money is there, the demand is there, we have more students now applying for college and university than perhaps we have ever had, even with the …...
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