Why Get a Bachelor's Degree? When Gen Z Is Making Millions Without Degree

For generations, we’ve been sold the same story: get a bachelor’s degree, and you’re set for life. High school, college, degree, job, success—simple as that. But let’s be honest: Gen Z is tearing that script to shreds. From teenage YouTubers to crypto whiz kids, young people are banking millions without ever sitting through a college lecture. So, let’s dive into the big question—why bother with a bachelor’s degree when you can build a fortune without one?

The College Promise: Still Holding Up?

Let’s start with the case for college. A degree is supposed to be your ticket to a better life. In the U.S., data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) shows that college graduates earn about $1,500 per week on average, compared to $900 for those with just a high school diploma. That’s a real gap, and it’s why parents still nudge (or outright push) their kids toward university. Plus, fields like medicine, law, or engineering flat-out require a degree—no way around it.

But here’s the flip side, and it’s not pretty. College costs have gone through the roof. In the U.S., the College Board reports that average tuition at a four-year public university is now over $12,000 a year for in-state students and closer to $32,000 for out-of-state ones. Private colleges? You’re looking at $45,000 annually, easy. Add in housing, books, and living expenses, and a single degree can cost $120,000 or more. Meanwhile, student loan debt in America has hit $1.8 trillion, chaining graduates to payments for decades.

In Europe, where tuition is often lower, the picture isn’t much rosier. Even with subsidized education, students face high living costs and uncertain job markets. So, you grind through four years, rack up debt (or at least lose time), and then what? You’re fighting for entry-level jobs that barely pay the bills. The “college promise” is starting to feel like a bait-and-switch.

Gen Z’s New Rules: Millionaires Without Degrees

Now, let’s talk about Gen Z. This generation isn’t waiting for permission to succeed. Thanks to the internet, social media, and raw hustle, they’re carving out paths to wealth that don’t involve a diploma. Here are some examples that prove the point:

MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), U.S.:

his YouTube giant dropped out of college to focus on creating viral videos. By 2025, his net worth is estimated at over $150 million, built on wild stunts and giveaways. His superpower? Mastering algorithms and audience engagement—skills no professor can teach.

Emma Chamberlain, U.S.:

Starting as a high schooler with a YouTube channel, Emma built a multi-million-dollar brand through vlogs, a coffee company, and fashion collabs. At 24, she’s worth around $12 million. No degree needed, just a camera and charisma.

South Asian Crypto Prodigy:

A 22-year-old from South Asia, known online as “Crypto Raja,” turned a $1,000 investment into a $5 million portfolio by trading cryptocurrencies and teaching others via YouTube. He skipped university to focus on markets, proving you don’t need a finance degree to make bank.

Greta Thunberg, Europe:

While not a millionaire, Greta’s global influence as a climate activist shows how Gen Z can change the world without a degree. She left traditional schooling behind to focus on her mission, earning accolades and a platform most graduates could only dream of.

But here’s the spooky twist:

school never taught us to split it like this. They just say, “Yo, a house is an asset,” without warning you that if you’re still paying it off for 20 years, it ain’t an asset—it’s a damn trick!

These stories aren’t flukes. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have leveled the playing field, letting anyone with a smartphone and a plan build a brand. Meanwhile, online hustles—dropshipping, freelance coding, NFT flipping—offer ways to earn serious cash without a degree. A 2024 Upwork survey found that 62% of Gen Z freelancers outearn their peers in traditional jobs. That’s not just a trend; it’s a revolution.

What’s College Really Selling?

Let’s break it down. What do you get from college? Knowledge? Sure, but you can learn coding, marketing, or design for free on platforms like Coursera or YouTube. Networking? Important, but you can connect with industry pros on LinkedIn or at virtual conferences. A credential? That’s the main selling point—but credentials are losing their edge. Big names like Google, Apple, and Tesla now hire for skills, not degrees, for many roles.

On the other hand, skipping college has risks. You might hit a ceiling in fields that demand formal education. You could miss out on the “college experience”—though, let’s be real, is it worth $100,000 for dorm parties and late-night study sessions? And without a degree, you might face raised eyebrows from older folks who still see diplomas as proof of worth.

But here’s the real question:

are those risks worse than graduating with debt and no job guarantee? Gen Z’s betting they’re not.

The Global Shift: Degrees Losing Their Grip

This isn’t just a U.S. or European thing. Across South Asia, where education has long been a cultural cornerstone, young people are questioning the system. The cost of private universities is climbing, and even public ones demand years of time and effort. Yet, graduates often end up in jobs that don’t match their skills. Meanwhile, Gen Z in these regions is turning to e-commerce, content creation, and tech startups to outpace their degree-holding peers.

Take the rise of online influencers in South Asia. A 2023 report estimated that top content creators in the region earn $50,000-$200,000 a year through brand deals and ad revenue—more than most entry-level corporate jobs. These creators didn’t need a degree; they needed Wi-Fi and a knack for going viral.

So, Why Get a Degree?

I’m not here to say college is a scam. For some, it’s the perfect fit. If you want to be a surgeon, lawyer, or researcher, you need that degree. If you love structured learning or want to build lifelong connections, college can deliver. But we’ve got to stop acting like it’s the only road to success.

Gen Z is showing us you don’t need a diploma to make millions—or to make a difference. They’re using tech, taking risks, and learning as they go. Meanwhile, the old system keeps churning out graduates with debt and shaky prospects. So, let’s flip the script: why not skip college and bet on yourself?

Let’s Hear From You

What’s your take? Is a bachelor’s degree still worth the hype, or is Gen Z rewriting the rules for good? Drop your thoughts in the contact us and share this article if it hit home. Let’s keep this debate alive!