Talking with Thalia, "Coffee Talk": Rethinking the Value of College in Today's Economy

Degrees & Debt: Rethinking the Value of College in Today's Economy
Talking with Thalia: "Coffee Talk", made a stop at Koffi in Rancho Mirage for a candid conversation with Kunal Singh, a Fontana resident with a lot to say about one of the most pressing issues facing young people today: life after college.

When asked what he believes is important for the Coachella Valley and Southern California as a whole, Singh got straight to the point: jobs. Specifically, meaningful, sustainable jobs for college graduates. “We encourage everyone to go to school,” he says, “but then after school—what’s next?”

He painted a clear picture of a broken system: students work hard, take on debt, and graduate expecting a fair shot at success. Instead, they’re often offered low-wage jobs comparable to entry-level positions in fast food. “You come out of school, out of debt, and the jobs you’re offered pay $20 an hour. You could’ve gone to McDonald’s and made that,” he points out.

Kunal reflects on his own journey—armed with a degree, experience, volunteer work, and research—but still unable to land a job that matched his qualifications. “Even though I had all that, I wasn’t offered what I thought I was worth,” he says. “And not enough to pay off debt. Not enough to survive in Southern California.”

The issue isn’t just about paychecks, it’s about broken promises and shifting values. With the cost of living soaring, particularly in regions like Southern California, graduates are finding it harder than ever to launch stable, independent lives. “The value of a bachelor’s degree now feels like what a high school diploma used to be,” Singh adds. “It’s tough.”

When asked about solutions, Kunal pauses. “That’s a tough one,” he admits.

It’s a tough but necessary conversation— Sometimes, change starts with a coffee and a conversation.