College Is Still Worth It for Students

For decades, college has been seen as the golden ticket to success. But for today’s young people, the question isn’t just where to go—it’s whether college is even the right move at all.

That’s exactly what Roadtrip Nation is tackling in its upcoming documentary, “Rethinking Higher Ed,” fueled by the Gates Foundation and the Strada Education Foundation. We’re following three young people as they hit the road, meet near-peer alumni, and ask the big questions: Is college worth it? Are there other ways to build a meaningful career? And what does higher education really look like in today’s world?

Along the way, they’re uncovering eye-opening stories of people who’ve forged their own paths—success stories that highlight the real impact of postsecondary value (as outlined in the Equitable Value report). These are the conversations that young people everywhere are having right now, and this documentary puts them in the driver’s seat.

At the ASU+GSV Summit 2025, you’ll get an exclusive first look at Rethinking Higher Ed and meet two of the roadtrippers who lived this journey firsthand. Get ready for a fresh perspective on what higher education can be—and why it’s time to rethink the way we talk about success after high school.

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