In a recent episode of the Theo Von podcast, renowned TV host Mike Rowe made some compelling observations that resonate profoundly with the current state of the economy and the trajectory of the nation.
Rowe highlighted a troubling trend: the skyrocketing cost of college education, which has outpaced nearly every other expense in American life. Millions of young Americans find themselves burdened with significant debt from degrees that, in many cases, do little to enhance their employability.
At the same time, we are witnessing a paradox: a staggering number of job vacancies (approximately 7.6 million) exist, while a concerning segment of the youth population remains disengaged from the workforce. This situation, Rowe argues, is a recipe for economic calamity.
BizPacReview elaborates on Rowe’s insights:
Many Americans have been led to believe that obtaining a college degree is essential, and Rowe is breaking down that misconception with some straightforward math.
âWeâve got $1.7 trillion in student debt on the books and weâve got 7.6 million open jobs right nowâmost of which donât require a 4-year degree,â Rowe stated, a clip that has gained traction on social media.
âAnd weâve got 6.8 million able-bodied men who are not only out of the workforce, theyâre not looking.â
âWe removed shop classes from high schools, depriving students of the chance to appreciate practical trades.â
âMeanwhile, weâve instilled a fear in an entire generation, telling them theyâre doomed if they donât secure a 4-year degree.â
Rowe also posed an essential question that often goes unasked:
âWhy has college become so prohibitively expensive? Over the last 40 years, nothing has inflated in price as dramatically as a 4-year degree. Not housing, not healthcare, not energyânothing.â
âWe constantly tell young people theyâre in trouble if they donât follow this path. We also make endless funds available for them to borrow,â Rowe added.
Watch the clip below:
Mike Rowe: âWeâve got $1.7 trillion in student debt on the books and weâve got 7.6 million open jobs right nowâmost of which donât require a 4-year degree.â
âAnd weâve got 6.8 million able-bodied men who are not only out of the workforce, theyâre not looking.â
âWe took shop⊠pic.twitter.com/33eVay6muE
â Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) April 24, 2025
Roweâs perspective underscores a critical issue: the nationâs pressing need for skilled laborers rather than an oversupply of graduates with degrees in fields like gender studies that are less likely to lead to stable employment.
(Image:Source)