Truck Driver Shortage Spurs 19-Year-Old to Leave College Behind

Bri Loomis, a teenager from Iowa, has opted for a career in trucking due to the escalating costs of higher education. Her decision reflects the growing trend of individuals pursuing blue-collar professions amid college affordability concerns.

Truck driver Bri Loomis is a testament to the rising concerns surrounding the high costs of college education. At just 19 years old, Loomis made the bold decision to leave college and pursue a career in trucking. Her story highlights a growing trend among young people seeking alternative paths to financial stability in the face of mounting college expenses.

Loomis, a resident of Iowa, initially enrolled in college with aspirations of becoming a nurse. However, the financial burden associated with higher education proved too daunting for her family. The prospect of incurring substantial debt for a degree that may not guarantee a high-paying job prompted Loomis to reconsider her options.

Truck Driver Shortage Spurs 19-Year-Old to Leave College Behind

After discussing her concerns with her father, Loomis decided to explore the field of trucking. She saw it as a viable career path that could provide a steady income without the financial constraints of college. Loomis obtained her commercial driver's license and began driving trucks for a local company.

Loomis's decision to become a truck driver is not an isolated case. According to the American Trucking Associations, the industry is facing a severe shortage of drivers, with an estimated shortage of over 80,000 drivers projected by 2024. This shortage has created a high demand for qualified drivers, driving up wages and attracting individuals who may not have considered trucking as a career option in the past.

The trend of individuals leaving college to pursue blue-collar professions is not limited to the trucking industry. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in trade schools and apprenticeship programs that offer more affordable and hands-on training in fields such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work.

This shift towards blue-collar careers is partly attributed to the rising costs of college. According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for a four-year public college have increased by over 250% since 1985. This has made college increasingly inaccessible for many families, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Moreover, the job market for college graduates is becoming increasingly competitive. A 2021 study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that over 40% of recent college graduates are underemployed in jobs that do not require a college degree. This reality has led many young people to question the value of a college education and to seek alternative paths to financial success.

The trucking industry offers several advantages that make it appealing to those seeking financial stability. Truck drivers typically earn well above the national average wage and have the potential to earn even more through overtime and bonuses. Furthermore, the industry provides job security, as the demand for truck drivers is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.

While Loomis's career path may not be the traditional route to success, it is an example of how individuals are adapting to the changing landscape of higher education and the job market. By choosing a blue-collar profession, Loomis has secured a stable and well-paying career without the burden of student debt.