Princess Leonor picks Political Science: is a degree still worth it?

Leonor, university and the endless debate over degree inflation

Princess Leonor's decision to study Political Science has peine a debate that seemed buried: does a university degree still pay off in today's job market? It is not a new question, but the case of Spain's heir to the throne gives it an unexpected platform.

The chosen degree and the shadow of degree inflation

The announcement that the princess will pursue a degree in Political Science has drawn mixed reactions. Some see it as a logical choice for someone preparing to become head of state. Others see it as yet another example of Spain's "titulitis": the tendency to accumulate degrees with no immediate practical application. In a job market where vocational training is gaining ground, some argue that a university degree no longer guarantees a job, and that trades such as plumbing or electrical work offer better prospects than a political science degree.

University or vocational training? The eternal dilemma

The debate is not new, but the princess's case puts it on the table with a twist: her future does not depend on finding a job, but on fulfilling an institutional role. Even so, the discussion reflects a real concern: overqualification and the disconnect between education and the needs of the job market. While some argue that university fosters critical thinking and a well-rounded education, others maintain that vocational training offers more in-demand practical skills. In Leonor's case, the balance seems to tip towards academic education, but the underlying question remains open: what is a degree really worth in the 21st century?

The debate is likely to continue, but the real value of the degree will be measured in her future performance. If the princess shows she can apply what she has learned, the argument will lose steam. If not, degree inflation will have a new example.