Is University still worth it…?

For decades, university was seen as the ultimate next step. You finish school, you get into a degree program, and you graduate into a stable, respectable career. This is the Sri Lankan norm. “Putha, learn well so that you can get into the best university for your higher studies”. It was less of a question and more of a given.

But in today’s modernized world, that certainty feels like it’s fading.

With rising tuition costs, the epidemic of online learning, and stories of successful dropouts dominating headlines, more young people are starting to ask a question that once felt almost rebellious and atrocious to even think of: Is university still worth it?

And much like the question, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it used to be either.

On one hand, university still holds undeniable value. It offers structure, credibility, and access – to knowledge, to experienced lecturers, to networks that can shape your career. For fields like medicine, law, or engineering, a degree isn’t optional; it’s essential. University, in these cases, is not just worth it – it’s necessary for the stable career every conventional parent wishes their child to have, but outside of these traditional paths, the equation is shifting.

We’re living in a time where skills can be learned from almost anywhere. Platforms like online courses, YouTube, and industry certifications are challenging the idea that knowledge only exists within lecture halls. University is no longer the only path to success. It’s one of many. And that shift is forcing students to think more critically about their choices. Instead of asking, “Which university should I go to?” the better question might be, “Do I actually need university for the life I want to build?”

For some, the answer will still be yes. University can be a transformative experience, not just academically, but personally. It teaches independence, exposes you to different perspectives, and creates an environment where ideas can grow.

But for others, especially those pursuing creative or entrepreneurial paths, the traditional degree may not offer the same return on investment.

What matters now is intention.

Going to university simply because it’s what society wants you to do is no longer enough. The value of a degree depends heavily on how it’s used so in a way, we can say that university hasn’t become less valuable – just less automatic, which is for the better, because instead of following a default path, our generation is being forced to choose more carefully, think more deeply, and define success on their own terms.