By Darryl Jacobs, Contributor
ESPN & CBS Sports Network Commentator
My lane is usually writing and speaking about the world of sports, college and pro basketball, professional football, and the stories behind the athletes, leagues and organizations that shape those spaces. But recently, while getting my vehicle serviced at a local dealership, I had a conversation that struck a more resounding chord—one that had nothing to do with sports but everything to do with real life, access, and opportunity.
I spoke with a young man who had just graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in computer science. He was sharp, ambitious, and determined. However, what he told me was troubling: after four years and nearly $200,000 invested in his education, he was struggling to land a job in his field—not because he lacked intelligence or work ethics but because he didn’t have a professional certification that employers demanded.
This conversation led me to reflect on the value of traditional college degrees versus certifications in today’s job market—and how this shift may ultimately benefit those who have historically been left behind.
The Changing Landscape of Credentials
In corporate America and across various industries, hiring practices have undergone significant evolution. Employers are no longer looking solely at degrees; they’re prioritizing skills, experience, and certifications that prove job readiness. Particularly in fields such as information technology, project management, cybersecurity, and healthcare, certifications like CompTIA, AWS, Google IT Support, and PMP are often more directly aligned with what employers are seeking.
The traditional college model—spending four to six years and incurring tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt—doesn’t always guarantee employment, especially if a graduate doesn’t possess the specific certifications required for the job. Many companies are now eliminating degree requirements in favor of skills-based hiring.
The Harsh Reality: Cost vs. Career Readiness
What makes this trend even more compelling is the financial contrast. Certifications can often be completed in a few months, cost under $5,000, and lead directly to well-paying jobs. This presents a promising alternative to the traditional college path, which can cost $150,000 or more, yet still leave graduates unemployed or underemployed if they lack hands-on experience or job-specific credentials.
For first-generation college students, those from lower-income families, or individuals without access to academic or athletic scholarships, the traditional college path can be financially devastating. In contrast, certifications provide a new, more affordable route to economic mobility—one that doesn’t require massive student loans or four years of full-time study, offering a sense of financial security and empowerment.
Opportunity for Underserved Communities
This shift in hiring and education offers new hope for underserved communities, particularly Black and Brown students, rural populations, and working adults seeking to upskill or transition into new careers. For those who never had the option—or the desire—to attend a four-year institution, certifications represent a real, tangible alternative that can lead to careers in tech, healthcare, skilled trades, and beyond.
As someone who’s spent decades navigating both higher education and corporate environments, I’ve seen firsthand how inaccessible traditional education can be for many. I’ve mentored student-athletes who struggled to balance their academic and athletic commitments, and I’ve witnessed the financial burden that student loans can place on families. The rise of certifications and industry-specific credentials has the potential to democratize opportunity, giving people access to meaningful careers without the baggage of student loan debt.
The Bottom Line: Rethinking the Path to Success
As I drove away from that dealership, I couldn’t stop thinking about that young man’s story—and how many more like him are facing the same dilemma. His experience is not an exception but part of a growing reality. We’ve spent decades selling the idea that a four-year college degree is the golden ticket to success, yet more students are discovering that it’s not the only, or even the best, path forward.
In today’s economy, skilled trades and certifications are becoming just as valuable—if not more than traditional degrees. Electricians, coders, welders, HVAC technicians, and cybersecurity specialists are in high demand, often earning more than those with bachelor’s degrees, and without the burden of six-figure debt.
As someone who has worked in higher education, corporate America, and the sports world, I’ve seen firsthand how opportunities are evolving. The future belongs to those who are trained, skilled, and adaptable—regardless of how they got there.
So maybe it’s time we stopped asking, “Where did you go to college?” and started asking, “What can you do, and how can we help you grow?” Because in the end, the actual value of education isn’t the name on a diploma—it’s the doors it opens and the lives it transforms.
We owe it to this generation—and the next—to make sure those doors are open to everyone, whether they walk through them with a degree, a certificate, or a toolbox in hand.
About the Author
Darryl Jacobs is a nationally recognized college basketball analyst with ESPN and CBS Sports Networks, and a veteran sports executive. He has over two decades of experience in higher education, corporate leadership, and nonprofit management. A former college head basketball coach and athletic administrator, Darryl has worked with professional athletes and served on numerous national boards in education, athletics, and community development.
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