Over a dozen states are now taking action to address the escalating issue of degree inflation by eliminating college degree prerequisites for many state government jobs. This bipartisan effort aims to counteract the growing trend of requiring degrees for positions that previously didn't necessitate them, a trend that significantly accelerated during the Great Recession. Employers took advantage of the challenging job market to demand higher levels of education, even for roles where practical experience and on-the-job training had traditionally been sufficient.

Research indicates a dramatic increase in the proportion of job postings requiring a four-year degree, a surge of over 60% between 2007 and 2019, even when adjusting for shifts in the types of available jobs. This degree inflation effectively shuts out a significant portion of the workforce—those without a bachelor's degree—from viable middle-class career paths. Historically, roles like administrative assistants or secretaries were accessible to individuals with a high school education, offering opportunities for skill development through on-the-job training.

However, this landscape is shifting. A recent study reveals a substantial rise in the percentage of secretaries holding bachelor's degrees, jumping from 9% in 1990 to 33% today. This trend, driven by inflated degree requirements, potentially blocks hundreds of thousands of individuals without degrees from these roles. While a college education can be valuable, its increasing prevalence for positions not inherently requiring advanced academic knowledge doesn't necessarily translate to improved productivity or higher wages. Instead, it often leads to a situation where degrees become more common among middle-class workers without a corresponding increase in earning potential. For example, the proportion of individuals earning between $60,000 and $80,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) who possess a bachelor's degree has climbed significantly in recent decades.

Studies show a significant number of recent graduates are employed in jobs that historically haven't demanded a college degree. These graduates often earn less than their counterparts in degree-aligned positions and face limited advancement opportunities, making it challenging to recoup the cost of their education and manage student loan debt.

Thankfully, this issue is gaining attention. Since 2017, there's been a noticeable decline in degree requirements in numerous middle-class job postings. Employers can further contribute by refining recruitment processes to avoid automatically excluding qualified candidates without degrees and by exploring alternative methods for assessing skills and experience. Government initiatives, such as removing degree requirements for state jobs, are a positive step. States can also review occupational licensing regulations to eliminate unnecessary degree mandates. Federal funding policies, which currently favor traditional four-year institutions over alternative training programs like apprenticeships, should be revised to provide more equitable support for various career pathways. Addressing degree inflation is crucial to ensuring that a college degree doesn't become an insurmountable barrier to a middle-class life and that all individuals have a fair opportunity for economic advancement.