Families Across New York Are Rethinking College

If you’re a parent in New York trying to help your child get ready for the future, you’re not alone in feeling unsure about this. A lot of families are asking the same question: What actually sets kids up for long term success anymore? AI is changing jobs fast, and people are rethinking what a college degree is really worth.

More People Are Asking “Is College Worth It?”

A new report shows that Google searches for “is college worth it” have jumped 90% since 2020. Parents and students across the country are trying to make sense of rising tuition costs, changing job markets, and new career paths that didn’t exist a few years ago.

What Tech Workers Say About Degrees

The study also looked at one of the most popular fields right now: tech. More than 850 professional coders were surveyed, and their answers may surprise you. Nearly 20% said it took them more than a year to land their first tech job. 63% said a computer science degree doesn’t really give you an edge anymore. 40% believe a college degree just isn’t worth what it costs today.

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Coding Bootcamps Are Becoming a Real Option

Because the tech world moves so quickly, many new coders are looking at alternatives. 75% of the coders surveyed said coding bootcamps can be a good substitute for college. These programs are shorter, more focused, and often cheaper.

Healthcare Still Feels Stable

Not everyone wants to go into tech, especially with how uncertain that field is becoming. If you’re helping your child find different options, healthcare continues to stand out. 13% of those surveyed said healthcare feels like the most stable career path right now. It’s a field that always needs people, especially in a state as busy as New York.

What This Means for New York Families

At the end of the day, there isn’t one “right” path anymore. College is still important for many careers, but it’s no longer the only route to a good future. Whether your child chooses a degree, a bootcamp, or a different kind of training, the goal is the same: finding a career that feels meaningful and worth the investment.