Many Americans have been duped into believing that a college degree is a necessity, and Mike Rowe is doing the simple math to prove it.

“We’ve got $1.7 trillion in student debt on the books and we’ve got 7.6 million open jobs right now—most of which don’t require a 4-year degree,” Rowe said in a clip making the rounds on X.

“And we’ve got 6.8 million able-bodied men who are not only out of the workforce, they’re not looking.

“We took shop class out of high school, we robbed kids of the opportunity to see what that kind of work even looks like.

“Meanwhile, we told a whole generation of kids they were f**king screwed if they didn’t get a 4-year degree.

Rowe was also asking the question that too few ever ask…

“How did college get so expensive? Nothing has gotten more expensive in the last 40 years than a 4-year degree. Not real estate, not healthcare, not energy, nothing.

“We keep telling kids they’re screwed if they don’t go in this direction. We free up endless money to loan them,” Rowe continued.

“Something beyond the tariffs, something beyond policy is gonna have to happen to make 22-year old go, yeah, I would consider learning a trade.”

Mike Rowe: “We’ve got $1.7 trillion in student debt on the books and we’ve got 7.6 million open jobs right now—most of which don’t require a 4-year degree.”

“And we’ve got 6.8 million able-bodied men who are not only out of the workforce, they’re not looking.”

“We took shop… pic.twitter.com/33eVay6muE

— Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) April 24, 2025

As millions of Americans struggle to pay bills and expensive student loans, Rowe’s comments garnered a lot of support:

There is a program in a small Wyoming town where high school aged kids get the chance to learn about different trades during this week long program – and it is free to attend. All you need to do is get there.

We drove our son there a couple years ago. He learned to install…

— Marnie Lopez (@marniekaylopez) April 25, 2025

I saw on glassdoor people are submitting 2000 applications before finding a job. They’re wasting massive amounts of time on ghost positions so companies can look strong during screening.

— Jack Mar (@JackMar27989625) April 24, 2025

This is of critical importance. We have a lost generation. Many students are in school with no landing zone planned or in sight. They often get through on their participation trophies. There is no downside of real work, in fact there should be pride in what is done. Diligence.…

— Ron Guido (@Ron1Guido) April 25, 2025

The high cost of college is due to fafsa, and government intervention. Once schools learned what parents are making, and what the highest potential earnings might be, they charged what they could. Government gave schools cheap loans to expand their campus . Unless you plan on…

— Matt57 (@Matthew5780761) April 25, 2025

Amen @mikeroweworks and @TheoVon . You are spot-on. And legions of us thank you for championing this approach & for delivering this message.

There are indeed alternatives for “four year degree or bust” and millions of Americans are listening to you and agreeing with you.…

— One Man Mutiny Shooting Spitballs at the Moon (@putneyjk) April 25, 2025

Tell them the truth – if they pursue excellence in their trade they can live better than many college grads.

— Ann Wynn (@5dgm749ghw) April 24, 2025

Absolutely.

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