Breaking the College-as-Salvation Mindset

For decades, we’ve treated college as a golden ticket—a necessary rite of passage for a “better life.” But for many families, it has become something else entirely: an indulgence. Not in the sense of extravagance, but like the indulgences Martin Luther fought against in the 16th century—an expensive promise of salvation, without the results.

In an age where information is just a click away and innovation thrives in unconventional spaces, it is time to question whether this promise holds true. For many students, skipping college, at least right after high school, might be the smarter, more fulfilling choice.

My wife and I have been working with our daughters to help them explore alternatives. We recently sat down with them to map out the vast world of career options. We asked them to list every job they could think of. Most young adults can name fewer than 20 jobs, and those typically include the obvious: doctor, lawyer, teacher. But how can a child create an educational path toward a job they don’t even know exists?

This moment reinforced something we already knew: the traditional path of finishing high school and heading straight to college isn’t right for every child. 

Breaking the Chains of “Social Proof”

The anxiety is real. For parents, stepping away from the well-worn path of high school to college feels like uncharted territory. Society has spent decades reinforcing the idea that college equals success, and that choosing a different route will lead to poverty and want. The fear of making the “wrong” choice, of leaving behind the safety net of social approval, can be overwhelming.

But this anxiety is caused by something that isn’t real. Many kids are quite successful without a college degree. In fact, pursuing the traditional path is increasing anxiety in young adults, because many don’t fit that model. Seeing young people pursue their goals and thrive outside of conventional systems is transformative. It’s a reminder that joy in learning comes from finding a path that fits. 

The Real Cost of Indulgences

A four-year degree at the University of Utah costs $41,100. That doesn’t include living expenses. That is more than a Mustang GT. How many adults would recommend a young person spend that kind of money on a new car? Not many. Yet for 34% of college graduates, their jobs don’t even require a degree. 

Furthermore, one out of 3 college students drop out of college before finishing. Another 40% take 8 years to finish their “4-year” degree. This raises a sobering question: If young adults knew all of this before they filled out their college applications, would they still submit them? On the other hand, should parents, who typically fund college, encourage them to go or explore other options? 

Like indulgences in Luther’s time, the price of college feels more like penance than progress. The promise of salvation through a degree no longer aligns with the realities of a rapidly changing world. 

Explore the Possibilities

There are more paths to success than we’ve been led to believe. Alternatives like gap years, trade schools, and entrepreneurship allow young adults to explore their interests, gain skills, and build careers—without the crushing cost of college.

Trade schools now offer certifications in high-demand fields like IT and healthcare, while gap years let students travel, volunteer, or learn online at a fraction of the cost. 

Some teens, like a neighbor of mine who started a business or another who became a fiber optic installer, find immediate success through hands-on work, mentorship, and on-the-job training.

And then there’s entrepreneurship. The young man in our neighborhood who skipped college to start an excavation business is not only honing his craft, but building a successful business. With the right mentorship and resources, teens can turn their talents into businesses, building independence and confidence along the way.

These aren’t the only paths, just an example of the possibilities options available.

The Case for Waiting

Here’s the best part: college isn’t going anywhere. Taking time to explore alternatives doesn’t close doors—it opens them.

As parents, our job isn’t to force our children into a one-size-fits-all mold, but to help them discover their unique paths. The world is full of opportunities beyond the walls of a lecture hall, and our kids deserve the freedom to find them.

So take a deep breath. Try it. If it doesn’t work, there’s always college to fall back on. But if it does work, the possibilities are endless—and the price far more reasonable.