An analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that the value of a college degree is increasingly questioned, with only 25% of U.S. adults considering it essential for a well-paying job. While college graduates earn a median income of $80,000 compared to $47,000 for high school graduates, 25% of graduates see minimal return on investment, especially if they incur high costs or take longer to graduate. Additionally, students’ majors significantly influence earning potential, with STEM fields offering the highest returns, while degrees in fine arts and education yield the lowest.