In recent years, the financial burden of educational debt has become a pressing issue for many Americans. According to data from the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of earning a bachelor’s degree from an in-state public school has skyrocketed to $89,556. This steep rise in tuition costs has forced 86.3% of undergraduates to borrow money, with many taking nearly two decades to pay off their loans.
Mike Feinberg, co-founder of the WorkTexas program, is among those sounding the alarm on the long-term implications of this debt. “We had this mentality in the ’90s — go to college, figure out what you want to do, and if you have to take out a loan, it’s [the equivalent of] a car loan,” Feinberg says. “Now, it’s a home mortgage, so a lot has changed.”
A recent Bankrate survey found that over half of Americans (56%) believe higher education costs have spiraled out of control. An additional 32% consider student loan debt a national crisis. This sentiment is prompting many students and parents to rethink the necessity of a traditional four-year college education.
Feinberg’s WorkTexas initiative, launched in 2020, offers a compelling alternative. The program provides skill-based instruction to high school students and adults, allowing them to earn credentials in fields like welding, carpentry, and commercial truck driving. One of the program’s standout features is that many participants can receive this training for free, thanks to grants and other funding sources.
“Most people are doing this because they need a job — or a better job,” Feinberg explains. Unlike conventional educational pathways, WorkTexas aims to offer immediate employment opportunities through partnerships with various industries. The program’s curriculum is often developed in collaboration with these companies, ensuring that graduates have marketable skills.
Feinberg also emphasizes the program’s long-term support for its participants. Staff members maintain contact with former students for at least five years, helping them navigate their career paths. “We make a commitment to help them, not just get the job,” Feinberg says. “We’re interested in what that looks like in terms of career contentment and earning power.”
As the cost of attending college continues to rise, Feinberg expects more students to explore alternatives like WorkTexas. “People are realizing they have choices — and need to figure out where the best value is,” he adds.