Are universities still worth it? What needs to change? The changing landscape of Higher Ed and careers
Join us for our 3rd instalment of our newsletter featuring interesting and relevant articles on experiential learning, career development, skills and value proposition of HEIs.
CANADA
An article from HEQCO titled Graduates’ Unmet Labour Market Expectations Reflect Unequal Opportunities. A survey conducted in summer 2023 found that while many graduates had positive job outcomes, marginalized groups faced significant disparities. Graduates with disabilities and LGBTQIA2+ individuals often earned less than expected and reported lower job quality, highlighting the need for targeted support. However, the methodology and sample size have issues in my view.
UNITED STATES
An article from Florida State University titled How FSU’s Global Scholars Program Helps Students Design Their Own Learning Experiences. This article strongly resembles Edinburgh’s SLICCs and their approach to promoting student agency. It also includes a strong reflection component.
An article from Northeastern Global News: What’s Behind Northeastern’s Surge in Applications? We Asked High School Students and Guidance Counselors. Northeastern has seen a significant increase in undergraduate applications for Fall 2025. High school students and guidance counselors attribute this surge to the university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, global campus mobility, and career outcomes.
An article from Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences in Inside Higher Ed: Career Development an “Unavoidable” Part of the College Experience. The university is integrating career readiness into its curriculum through the Pillars Undergraduate Experience, ensuring that all students engage in research, experiential learning, and career development activities to enhance their employability.
UK
An opinion piece by the Vice-Chancellor and President of King’s College London in Times Higher Education titled Universities Are Worth It – But Work Is Needed to Ensure They Remain So. He argues that while a university education remains a valuable investment, its benefits can vary significantly depending on factors such as discipline, institution, and individual circumstances (see HEQCO article). He emphasizes the importance of providing transparent information to help students make informed decisions, considering both financial returns and broader personal and societal advantages. Additionally, he stresses the need for universities to anticipate future skill demands and ensure that the benefits of higher education are accessible to all segments of society. (King’s College also has a Future of HE program.)
