The Fallout of Losing the Narrative

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series How Trades Lost the Spotlight

What happens when a generation is told there’s only one path to success—and then that path doesn’t pan out?

We’re living the answer.

Across the country, nearly 40 million Americans have what researchers call “Some College, No Credential.” They started their higher education journey with high hopes but never finished—and now carry the burden of student debt, lost time, and stalled career momentum.

This isn’t just a personal challenge. It’s a national problem—one fueled by a decades-long devaluation of trades and career education.

The Promise That Didn’t Deliver

For years, the message was loud and clear:
Go to college. You’ll get a good job. Life will work out.

But the reality has been very different for many:

Students dropped out due to cost, work demands, or family obligations
Others found that their major didn’t translate into a viable career
Many struggled academically without adequate support systems

And because other paths weren’t visible—or were actively discouraged—they ended up with no degree, no clear direction, and thousands in debt.

The “Some College” Crisis by the Numbers

According to the National Student Clearinghouse:

Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has some college education but no degree
Millions of these individuals owe student loans they have no credential to help repay
The majority never return to finish because of finances, life barriers, or lost motivation

(full report here)

These are smart, hardworking people who were sold a dream—but given few alternatives.

What If the Trades Had Been on the Table?

Imagine if:

That student had been encouraged to pursue an electrical apprenticeship
That working parent had been shown a 12-month program in dental assisting
That veteran had been steered toward a certification in HVAC or cybersecurity

Instead of “some college, no credential,” they could be employed, skilled, and debt-free.

Changing the Conversation

We can’t go back in time. But we can do better moving forward:

Make trades and career education visible—not just to struggling students, but to all students
Respect every path that leads to meaningful work, not just the ones with ivy-covered buildings
Reinvest in short-term, high-impact programs that align with real labor market demand

Because the goal of education isn’t prestige—it’s empowerment.

Final Thought

The fallout of pushing everyone toward one version of success is clear: a generation left in limbo. It’s time we tell the full story—that careers can begin in classrooms, in workshops, and on job sites alike.

At Dealing With Debt, we believe the best financial decision isn’t always the most prestigious one—it’s the one that fits your life and helps you build a future. We’re here to support smart, sustainable choices—one step, one course, and one credential at a time.

Next Up: “Can Trade Schools Feel More Like College? Reimagining the Career School Experience”