Tom Berriman

Every few years, the question comes up again: do college degrees still matter? With rising tuition costs, changing workforce needs, and headlines claiming you can “skip college and still succeed,” it’s a fair question. But for Northeast Michigan — and for the long-term health of our regional economy — the answer is clear. Yes, college degrees and postsecondary credentials still matter, and they matter a lot.

Michigan’s economy is increasingly driven by jobs that require education beyond high school. Some of the most in-demand roles in our state today include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, accountants, software developers, teachers, engineers, and healthcare administrators. Nearly all of these require at least an associate or bachelor’s degree. Other high-demand jobs — such as electricians, HVAC technicians, machinists, and industrial maintenance workers — may not require a four-year degree, but they still require formal training, certification, or apprenticeships through community colleges or technical programs. Only a small share of Michigan’s fastest-growing, family-sustaining jobs can be accessed with a high school diploma alone.

This matters for communities like Alpena. Local employers regularly report difficulty filling skilled positions, especially in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. When businesses can’t find trained workers, expansion stalls. New companies look elsewhere. Young people leave for opportunity — and too often, they don’t come back. Postsecondary education isn’t just about individual success; it’s about whether our region can compete, grow, and remain economically stable.

That’s why Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal is so important. Led by the Michigan College Access Network, this statewide effort aims for 60 percent of working-age adults to earn a college degree or high-quality credential by 2030. The goal isn’t to push everyone into a four-year university. It’s to make sure Michiganders have the education and training needed for the jobs that actually exist — and the ones coming next. States that reach this level of attainment see higher wages, lower unemployment, stronger tax bases, and more resilient local economies.

There’s also a persistent myth that college is no longer “worth it.” While costs are a real concern, Michigan has made significant progress in expanding affordable pathways. Programs like Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners have helped thousands of adults earn degrees tuition-free or at very low cost. Community colleges and regional universities play a critical role here, offering flexible, career-aligned programs that allow students to stay close to home while building skills employers need.

Degrees and credentials don’t guarantee success, but they dramatically improve the odds. People with postsecondary education earn more over their lifetimes, experience lower unemployment, and are more likely to advance into leadership roles. Communities with higher education attainment are better positioned to weather economic downturns and attract new investment.

For Northeast Michigan, this isn’t an abstract policy conversation. It’s about whether we can staff our hospitals, support our schools, grow local businesses, and give young people a reason to build their futures here. College degrees — along with certificates and skilled

trades credentials — remain one of the strongest tools we have to make that future possible.