For decades, higher education was marketed as a pathway to stability and success, with a college degree seen as a guarantee of future prosperity. However, this promise has deteriorated under the pressures of student debt and a labor market increasingly influenced by technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, which can render entire careers obsolete.

Individuals were encouraged to invest in their education, often accumulating debt that becomes unmanageable while they navigate unpaid internships and low-paying jobs. As a result, many graduates find themselves financially compromised, entering adulthood with significant debt and limited job prospects. The current economic landscape often treats these graduates as expendable, leading to a situation where many young adults begin their careers in a precarious financial position.

The shortcomings of the higher education system are evident in the outcomes for graduates, who frequently secure jobs that do not provide a living wage or benefits. Wage stagnation has persisted for decades, while the cost of loan interest continues to rise, making financial mobility increasingly unattainable.

Recent policy changes have exacerbated the situation for borrowers, with the U.S. federal government set to resume wage garnishment for defaulted loans in January 2026. This policy shift is expected to affect millions of borrowers, as the government utilizes its collection powers to reclaim a portion of their income, further entrenching individuals in a cycle of debt.

The rapid evolution of technology has exposed further flaws in the traditional educational model. Students are often advised to select a career path years in advance, yet entire industries can disappear in a matter of months due to technological advancements. Educational institutions struggle to adapt, relying on outdated materials and bureaucratic processes that fail to keep pace with the demands of the modern economy.

The value of a degree has diminished as the labor market has become saturated with qualified individuals, leading to a scenario where credentials serve primarily as a means of filtering candidates based on their willingness to incur debt. Political leaders often propose increased education as a solution to systemic issues such as high living costs and stagnant wages, deflecting attention from the structural failures that have led to the current crisis.

As individuals recognize the diminishing returns of higher education, they confront a reality where the social contract has been broken. The government's ability to garnish wages for degrees that do not lead to stable employment raises significant concerns about the equity and sustainability of the current educational framework. The ongoing collection of tuition and interest payments from a generation facing unprecedented economic instability underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of the higher education system.