College Is Still Worth It: Turning Higher Ed's Biggest Challenges Into Opportunities
The value of a college degree is still questioned daily in our national dialogue. Rising costs, shifting workforce demands, and declining public confidence have put higher education under the microscope.
Good Rebellion CEO David Belsky recently moderated the closing plenary at the National Association of Higher Education Systems' annual conference. He tackled this issue head-on, asking panelists to offer a candid perspective on these challenges and to look ahead at how colleges and universities can turn them into real opportunities, meeting the needs of today's evolving student population.
The Two-Headed Dragon
Higher ed faces a dual challenge: a broken narrative and a broken product. For years, institutions have leaned on their historical reputation, assuming that degrees alone guarantee success. But as panelist Brendan Kelly, president of the Arkansas State University System, put it, “We have to meet students where they are, or we’re going to end up with empty buildings.”
What Needs to Change?
1. Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs
Employers are desperate for skilled talent, but they often struggle to understand what a degree really signals. Rob Magliaro, head of education and workforce at Grow with Google, emphasized that 77% of well-paying jobs require a four-year degree, yet only one-third of Americans have one. Higher ed must build stronger bridges between education and employment by integrating skill-building programs and expanding work-based learning opportunities.
2. Breaking Down Institutional Silos
Phaedra Boinodiris, global lead for Responsible AI at IBM Consulting, called out one of higher ed’s biggest barriers to innovation: siloed thinking. “Why does AI ethics have to be in either the School of Engineering or the School of Humanities? Why not both?” she asked. The same principles apply across disciplines. Institutions must collaborate internally and with industry partners to remain relevant.
3. Prioritizing Accountability and Teaching Excellence
Faculty play a crucial role in student success, yet many lack formal training in effective teaching methods. Jonathan Gyurko, president of ACUE, pointed out that the perception of higher ed is declining, and students’ lived experiences matter. If they don’t find value in their classrooms, they leave. Institutions must invest in quality teaching and innovative curriculum design to make education engaging and impactful.
4. Rebuilding Trust in Higher Education
Higher education can regain the trust of Americans by prioritizing outcomes. All of the panelists agreed on this point. They spoke of how students expect more than knowledge when they get their degree, but leave with an expectation of having earned a foundation for a solid career. By setting expectations for institutions to ensure a student’s return on investment, an improved product will inevitably lead to an improved reputation.
The Path Forward: Making College Worth It Again
Higher ed can’t just fix its image—it has to fix what and how it offers learning. That means rethinking traditional degree paths, ensuring students graduate with tangible skills, and making institutions more adaptable. As Magliaro noted, “There’s still a lot of talent out there that should have access to well-paying jobs.”
So, is college still worth it? The panelists’ answer was a resounding yes—but only if higher education evolves to meet today’s challenges.
Higher ed leaders, the ball is in your court. The future of college depends on the actions taken today. The question isn’t whether college is worth it—it’s whether institutions will step up to ensure it stays worth it for years to come.
