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Historically, this investment paid off. For instance, data from mid-2025 indicates that Americans with at least a bachelor’s degree earned approximately $40,000 more annually than those with only a high school diploma. This wage premium justified the substantial upfront costs for many students and their families, reinforcing the perceived value of higher education.
The Unanticipated Disruption: AI and Employment Prospects
However, this conventional wisdom is now under threat. Recent data and expert warnings suggest that artificial intelligence is beginning to undermine the traditional advantages of a college degree by making it more difficult for graduates to find employment immediately after finishing their studies.