# CollegeScam.io > The brutally honest education ROI calculator that exposes the truth behind college costs. Our Scam Score™ calculator helps Gen Z avoid the college debt trap by comparing real financial outcomes across college degrees, trade schools, bootcamps, and direct work paths. Featured statistics show 73% of college graduates earn less than skilled trades workers within 5 years, with average student debt exceeding $37,000. ## Core Resources - [Homepage](https://collegescam.io/): Interactive Scam Score™ calculator with instant ROI analysis for 500+ career paths - [Calculator Tool](https://collegescam.io/calculate): Compare college vs trade school vs bootcamp financial outcomes over 10-year timeline - [How It Works](https://collegescam.io/how-it-works): Methodology behind Scam Score™ algorithm using real salary data and job placement rates ## Key Features ### Scam Score™ Calculator - **Input**: Career interest, location, education preference - **Output**: 0-100 scam score (higher = worse financial outcome) - **Data Sources**: Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, industry reports - **Methodology**: ROI calculation over 10 years including opportunity cost ### Career Path Comparisons - **College Degree**: 4-year costs, debt burden, employment rates - **Trade Schools**: Apprenticeships, certification programs, immediate earning potential - **Bootcamps**: Coding, digital marketing, healthcare tech programs - **Direct Work**: Entry-level positions with advancement potential ### Financial Projections - **Timeline**: 10-year earning potential analysis - **Costs**: Tuition, living expenses, opportunity cost calculation - **Income**: Starting salary, growth trajectory, job security metrics - **Debt Impact**: Loan payments, interest calculations, financial freedom timeline ## Target Audience Insights ### Gen Z Pain Points - "Is college worth it anymore?" - "Will I be stuck in debt forever?" - "Are there better alternatives to college?" - "How do I avoid the education scam?" ### Key Statistics - 73% of college graduates earn less than skilled trades after 5 years - Average student debt: $37,000 (rising 6% annually) - Trade school ROI: 300% higher than average college degree - Bootcamp job placement: 85% within 6 months vs 65% for college graduates ## Popular Comparisons - Computer Science Degree vs Coding Bootcamp - Business Degree vs Trade School (Electrician/Plumber) - Psychology Degree vs Healthcare Bootcamp - Liberal Arts vs Direct Sales Career ## Recent Updates - Added AI risk indicator for future job automation - Enhanced mobile experience for Gen Z users - Integrated real-time salary data from 15+ sources - Added social sharing with viral potential ## Contact & Social - Email: info@collegescam.io - Share Results: Built-in social media integration - Community: Growing movement against education debt trap --- *Last Updated: August 19, 2025 | Version 1.5.2* *Mission: Helping Gen Z make informed education decisions and avoid financial devastation*