Top higher education trends

By: Amanda Phagan, Edited by: Rebecca Munday, Reviewed by: Melissa Venable, Ph.D.

Published: June 30, 2025

Over the past several years, higher education has been forced to adapt to societal changes. The COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of AI, and an increased demand for career-oriented learning have pressured institutions to adapt or get left behind.

Discover the top three trends defining higher education — and what prospective students should know — in our guide.

3 trends that will define the future of higher education

1. A focus on relevant real-world skills

As students focus more on career readiness, institutions need to prioritize real-world skill-building. According to Deloitte's 2025 Higher Education Trends report, 47% of Americans feel that a four-year degree program is worth the cost without student loans, while just 22% of students find it worthwhile with loans. In contrast, 76% of trade school graduates believe their skills-based education was worth the cost. These statistics illustrate increased confidence in programs that prepare students for careers with potential job security and consistent earnings. As time goes on, students may be less willing to go to school for the general college experience.

Additionally, Deloitte reports that apprenticeships in the United States have risen from 317,000 to 640,000 in the last decade, signaling an increased interest in career-relevant, hands-on learning. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an apprenticeship is a career pathway that enables students to get paid work experience under a mentor, classroom instruction, and nationally recognized credentials.

Experts like Jeff Doyle, a leader and consultant with decades of experience in the higher education space, are already witnessing this trend unfold. "More employers are looking at skills and whether you can actually do the job, rather than whether you have a degree," says Doyle. "Real-world experience not only looks good on a résumé and in an interview, but — quite honestly — hones and sharpens [you] to do better in life."

2. A shift toward lifelong learning and upskilling

The shift toward skills-based education also means that learning must become an ongoing, lifelong process. After all, the skills necessary to perform certain tasks (and the tasks themselves) change over time as technology and roles evolve.

This is true even for professionals already employed in their fields. According to a 2025 edX survey of 1,000 adults who are currently working or seeking work, nearly half of the respondents reported needing to start upskilling (53%) — polishing existing skills — or reskilling (52%) — building new skills — in the next six months to maintain their employment. Tech employees feel the most pressure: 3 in 4 report needing to upskill (74%) or reskill (76%) to remain secure in their roles.

"Universities are having to ask, 'What can we stop doing in order to start doing some other things that we know are more important?'" says Doyle. One solution may be offering expert-led courses, workshops, and professional certificates in certain high-demand skill areas. Other institutions may opt to retire less popular subjects/majors with lower ROI for more popular, career-focused ones with higher ROI.

3. Promoting connection and belonging on campus

While the cost of higher education gives some prospective students pause, the decision to attend college is still largely an emotional one. "Most people pursue a college like they pursue a spouse. They think, 'Who is my person?' And once they lock onto that, they're not interested in letting go," says Doyle.

In the face of a nationwide mental health crisis, especially among young people, it's more important than ever for institutions to ensure students feel like they belong, both on and off campus.

When Doyle worked at Baylor University, he and a team researched over 100 student retention variables, including academics and finances. "After four years of doing pretty robust retention analysis, we found that there was one factor that was five times more predictive of student retention than any other variable. And that was a question we asked students in weeks 3-5: 'Do you feel like you belong at the school?'" Doyle explains.

What students should know about higher education trends

1. Use your heart and head when choosing a college

Selecting a school may be an emotional decision, but it's also a significant financial decision that can catch applicants — especially high school graduates — off guard. Doyle recommends the following approach when shopping for schools: "Have three or four suitors that you're interested in, and don't decide until you see that cost."

He notes that, while tuition depends on several factors, you should be able to get a general idea of each institution's cost. "The federal government requires every university to have a functioning net price calculator [on their website]."

As you browse options, remember to consider your financial aid and scholarship opportunities. You can get financial aid for online degree programs as well as traditional, in-person programs. You can even get financial assistance for online courses offered through edX.

2. Get involved to get the most out of your degree

If your goal is to stand out to employers after earning a degree, you may want to avoid going to college just to get the so-called college experience. "Where you go to college is nowhere near as important as how you go to college," says Doyle. "The people who get the greatest return on investment get highly involved, connected, engaged, and take advantage of that."

Some ways you can get involved as a college student include:

Career coach and online education expert Melissa Venable, PhD, instructs students to "identify mentors, trusted advisors, and teachers who can provide insight and serve as helpful resources." This can help students solidify meaningful network connections early on and receive real-world guidance as they make decisions about their future.

3. You don't have to take the traditional college route

Whether you're looking to add to your education or pursue college for the first time, know that there are several increasingly flexible options available.

• For careers that require four-year degrees, you can earn your bachelor's degree online. You can also earn a master's degree online.
• If you're looking to learn a new skill or stay up-to-date on a subject you already know, you may not need a degree program. Instead, consider an online course or professional certificate to build or maintain your skills.
• If you're interested in a trade (such as data entry, welding, or construction), you may consider earning a two-year degree from a community college.

"It's actually okay that not everyone wants to go to a four-year college," says Doyle. Two-year degree programs can lead directly to employment or serve as stepping stones toward a more advanced degree. Additionally, a two-year degree and work experience can enable students to make more informed major and school choices if they decide to pursue a more advanced degree in the future.