Is college worth it anymore?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is college worth it anymore?". Your opponent's style: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

College is a fundamental part of finishing your education

Look, "finishing" education is doing heavy lifting here. College isn't the finish line—it's one expensive option that leaves graduates buried in debt while trade jobs go unfilled. We're talking $30,000-plus in loans for jobs that don't require a degree. The real issue? We've made college a cultural requirement instead of asking what people actually need. A plumber, electrician, or nurse practitioner can finish their education through apprenticeships, community college, or specialized programs. They graduate debt-free, working immediately. You're confusing credential with education. We should stop telling every kid they need a four-year degree when the economy screams for skilled trades. That's not anti-education—that's pro-smart choices. Why mortgage your future for a degree you don't need?