A college degree doesn’t seem to have the same bang for its buck as it once did. In addition to exploding costs, many Americans are questioning the very need for a college degree in many fields.
Formerly Valued
In the second half of the 20th century, a college education was almost synonymous with future success. A college degree was the key to pursue a white-collar vs a blue-collar career, and that sentiment was even firmly engrained in pop culture: the character of Danny Noonan in Caddyshack has a summer job as a caddy to save up for college and move beyond his working-class upbringing. Even in the still popular boardgame “Life,” players can elect to attend or forego college, with a college degree a requirement to several careers in the game—and the best chance of winning.
Now Increasingly Questioned
Increasingly, policymakers and some employers are pushing back on the notion that a college degree is essential for certain positions, taking a broader view of qualifications that includes on-the-job experience and skills.
In an article for Fortune, Michael Hansen points to new proposals in Congress including the Stronger Workforce for America Act and the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act as examples of how the value of postsecondary education is being reconsidered.
Educational Requirements Waning
“More than 20 states have eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements for many state positions, and nearly half of employers report working to do the same this year,” Hansen writes. “Even the Federal Government is taking steps as our nation’s largest employer to adopt a skills-based hiring approach throughout every federal agency.”
Both presidential candidates have espoused their plans to remove college degree requirements, Hansen says. “Just last week, Vice President Kamala Harris said she would remove college degree requirements for certain federal jobs if elected president, and while in office, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order prioritizing skills over degrees.”
Not a Done Deal Yet…
Despite this progress, employers generally remain skeptical of degreeless applicants.
While there remains a strong preference among many employers for college graduates, some organizations, particularly within government, are beginning to take a more flexible approach. Employers should think critically about the core qualifications for positions and consider whether a college degree—and only a college degree—are required to meet those qualifications.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.