College Starting Salaries Are Declining — Why More Students Are Exploring CDL Careers Instead

According to data shared by The Kobeissi Letter on X (Feb 10, 2026), inflation-adjusted starting salaries for college graduates have declined 8% year-over-year to approximately $54,500, the lowest level in at least six years.

Their analysis further notes:

• Starting salaries have fallen 24% in real terms since the 2021 peak of around $71,000

• This marks the fourth consecutive annual decline

• The percentage of graduates working in roles aligned with their degree has dropped from 26% (2022 cohort) to 20% (2025 cohort)

What This Means for Students

For many young adults, the traditional four-year college path involves:

• Significant tuition costs

• Student loan debt

• Delayed entry into full-time employment

• Risk of underemployment

When inflation-adjusted wages decline and job alignment rates fall, students naturally begin evaluating alternatives.

The CDL Alternative: Faster Entry, Direct Workforce Path

At Zeta Driving School, we work with students seeking a faster and more direct path into the workforce.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) offers:

• Training completed in weeks instead of years

• Direct alignment with a defined career skill

• Nationwide job demand

• Immediate earning potential after certification

  
  

Unlike many degree pathways, CDL training prepares students for a specific, in-demand occupation from day one.

Skilled Trades vs. Traditional Degrees

This isn’t about dismissing college, it remains valuable for many professions.

However, economic trends such as declining real starting salaries and job mismatch are leading more students to explore skilled trades.

CDL careers provide:

• Practical, essential skills

• Strong labor demand

• Clear employment pathways

• Faster return on training investment

  
  

For students focused on entering the workforce quickly and minimizing debt exposure, trade-based training programs are increasingly attractive.

A Different Timeline to Opportunity

While a traditional degree can take four years or more, CDL programs are structured to move students from enrollment to employment readiness in a fraction of the time.

As economic conditions evolve, career planning is becoming more ROI-focused than ever.

If you're evaluating your next step, consider asking:

What path gets me earning sooner?

What minimizes long-term debt?

What skill is currently in demand?

For many students, the answer may include a CDL.

Learn more about CDL training at Zeta Driving School. Explore a faster path into the workforce.