Kari Lake’s Wake-Up Call: Is College Still Worth It?

Recent unemployment statistics have reignited debate about the value and cost of higher education, with data showing college graduates now comprise nearly 26% of Americans experiencing long-term unemployment.

The figures, reported by The New York Times, indicate that 1 in 4 people who have been out of work for more than six months hold college degrees. This trend has drawn attention from various commentators and politicians discussing education policy and career alternatives.

Turning Point USA host Jobob Taeleifi referenced the data while discussing concerns about college costs and employment outcomes. He pointed to previous arguments made by Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk about rising education expenses potentially not matching job market returns.

"Charlie wrote a book about a year ago called The College Scam," Jobob Taeleifi said, explaining Kirk's perspective on higher education economics.

According to the commentary, college tuition and fees have increased significantly over the past two decades. "The average cost of college tuition and fees over the last 20 years is up 141% to 179%," Taeleifi noted, raising questions about corresponding value increases.

In Taeleifi’s video, he explained that the article included an account from a Portland-area graduate who has been unemployed for nearly a year despite applying to over 3,000 positions. 

The graduate reportedly said, "I checked all the boxes of success in my life. I went to College, got a degree, and worked towards a career."

He also suggested several factors from the article that may be contributing to graduate unemployment, including increased numbers of college graduates, technological changes, automation, and shifts in employer needs for college-educated workers.

Political Responses

Political figure Kari Lake has also addressed college education concerns through her personal experience. "My son is attending College. We talk all the time, & he fills me in on all the radicalism they're pushing in his classes," Lake posted on social media.

Kari Lake expressed mixed feelings about her son's college experience, stating: "Thankfully, he has a strong backbone, but if he had a chance to do it all over again, would he go to College? I don't know."

However, Lake affirms her daughter's stance by explaining: “On the other hand, My daughter didn’t go to College. She took Charlie’s advice. She got politically involved, and decided to work for Charlie Kirk.” 

Speaking at the Washington D.C. Vigil for Charlie Kirk last week, she encouraged parents to consider various educational options. "We send our kids off to College and they brainwashed them. I am making a plea to mothers out there, do not send your children into these indoctrination camps," she said.

Various people continue to debate how best to prepare young adults for the current job market while managing educational expenses and debt levels.