Rural Gen Z High Graduates Pursue Careers Without College Degrees as Enrollment Stagnates

For Gen Z graduates in rural counties across the U.S., the absence of a college degree is increasingly not a barrier to meaningful career opportunities. Briar Townes, a high school graduate from Wyoming County in western New York, is one such example. Despite earning college-level credits in art through high school, Townes has not pursued higher education, choosing instead to work at the county’s Arts Council or consider employment at local manufacturing firms like Creative Food Ingredients and American Classic Outfitters [1].

Wyoming County, which has a population smaller than its cattle count, represents a broader trend. Rural students often graduate high school at rates that exceed their urban and suburban peers, yet college enrollment remains lower. In 2023, only 55% of rural graduates enrolled in college, compared to 64% in suburban areas and 59% in urban areas [1]. This divide is attributed to factors such as geographic isolation, limited parental exposure to higher education, and a growing political skepticism in rural areas about the necessity of college.

Despite district-level efforts to make higher education more accessible—such as offering college-level courses and using federal pandemic relief funding to support local programs—college enrollment among rural students has seen little growth over recent years. Perry High School, for instance, has enrolled 67% of its 2024 graduates in college, slightly above the national average, but still modest in the broader context [1].

Superintendent Daryl McLaughlin of Perry High School emphasizes a balanced approach, recognizing both college and career pathways as valid options. “We’re letting our students know these institutions, whether it is a college or whether employers, they’re competing for you,” he said, highlighting how the school supports students’ career readiness as much as their college applications [1].

While higher education remains a path to higher lifetime earnings—men with bachelor’s degrees earn an estimated $900,000 more than those with high school diplomas, and women earn about $630,000 more—many rural students remain unconvinced. This skepticism is compounded by rising college costs and a political climate in which rural America, often a Republican stronghold, has seen growing distrust of higher education [1].

In response, some rural educators are actively promoting college access. In Putnam County, Florida, where only 14% of adults have a bachelor’s degree, principal Joe Theobold sets a 100% college admission goal for his students. Through initiatives like Camp Osprey, a University of North Florida program, students are exposed to college life, encouraging them to consider higher education [1].

Meanwhile, others like Devon Wells, a high school junior from Perry, New York, see a future in skilled trades without the need for college. He is exploring careers in welding and electrical work, drawn by the potential for higher wages in industries like those in South Carolina [1]. His experience reflects a shift in mindset where hands-on, in-demand jobs are seen as viable and attractive alternatives to traditional college paths.

Educators and community leaders continue to seek ways to bridge the gap in access to higher education for rural students. The College in High School Alliance has recently announced funding for seven states to expand dual enrollment programs, aiming to close disparities and provide more students with opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school [1].

Still, the challenge remains in changing perceptions and addressing the structural barriers that make college less accessible and less appealing to many in rural America. As communities grapple with these issues, the future of education and opportunity in rural regions continues to evolve in ways that reflect the values and needs of the people who call these areas home.

Source: [1] For Gen Zers in rural counties, lack of a college degree is no career obstacle. ‘My stress is picking an option, not finding an option’ (https://fortune.com/2025/08/02/gen-z-jobs-high-graduates-rural-counties-no-college-degree/?itm_source=parsely-api)