New Study Shows Most Employers Trust in Higher Education

Introduction:

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) conducted a national survey and found that a majority of employers believe a college degree is worth it, despite the time and money involved. Employers value traits such as independent thinking, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience, which are crucial for workforce success.

Full Article: New Study Shows Most Employers Trust in Higher Education

Survey: Employers Still See Value in College Degrees

According to a recent national survey from The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), a majority of employers view a college degree as being worth it. The survey, which was conducted in May 2023 in partnership with Morning Consult, asked 1,010 employers – hiring managers and executives – about their views on the value of a college education and the preparedness of incoming graduates into the workforce.

Employer Confidence in College Education

Findings indicated that 83% of employers are confident that higher education institutions are successfully preparing students for the workforce, with 48% ‘strongly’ and 35% ‘somewhat’ agreeing. 81% of employers also either ‘strongly’ or ‘somewhat’ agreed that getting a degree was worth it, despite the money and time involved.

Generational Differences in Employer Confidence

Younger employers – those under 40 – seem to have more confidence in college than their older counterparts – those age 40 and above, with more of the younger employers signaling strong confidence in higher ed’s workforce preparation and degrees.

Public Sentiment on Higher Education

This finding is particularly relevant at a time when public sentiment for the value of higher education is on the decline. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 36% of respondents had “a great deal of confidence” or “quite a lot of confidence” in higher ed, a significant decline from 48% in 2018 or 57% in 2015.

Value of Higher Education in Workforce Success

Besides having the necessary skills, employers also appear to value higher education’s capacity to teach students how to think independently and apply ideas hands-on. Problem-solving smarts, knowledge from addressing real-life problems, is also highly valued by 66% of employers.

Desirable Skills for Job Candidates

When assessing the strength of a job candidate, employers highly value learning that involves oral communication and adaptability/flexibility. Drive and work ethic (81%) were also seen as the most desirable skills, according to the survey.

Microcredentials Rising in Prominence

In addition to the traditional college degree, microcredentials – short credentials focused on teaching particular skills – are rising in prominence and value. Not only do 68% of employers prefer candidates with a college degree and a microcredential for entry-level positions, but 39% of employers themselves are currently offer microcredentials as well.

Employer Confidence in Today’s College Graduates

Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, AAC&U President, said, “The data presented contests these assumptions, indicating that 8 in 10 employers have high levels of confidence in today’s college graduates to meet the demands of the workforce upon entry.”

In conclusion, the survey points to a continued value placed on a college education by employers, with additional emphasis on the development of necessary skills and dispositions for workplace success. Employers appear to be recognizing the broader applicability of skills acquired through higher education, regardless of the chosen field of study.

Summary: New Study Shows Most Employers Trust in Higher Education

The majority of employers and hiring managers still view a college degree as being worth it for workforce preparation and value. Results from a national survey show that 83% of employers are confident that higher education prepares students for success in the workplace, indicating that college degrees are still highly valued. These findings are essential to counteract declining public sentiment towards higher education and demonstrate the benefits of broader skills and perspectives acquired through postsecondary education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the survey about?

The survey on employer confidence in higher education aims to gauge the level of faith that employers have in the current higher education system and the graduates it produces.

Who conducted the survey?

The survey was conducted by a reputable research organization specializing in higher education and employment trends.

What were the key findings of the survey?

The survey revealed that a majority of employers expressed confidence in the quality of graduates produced by higher education institutions and their preparedness for the workforce.

How will the survey results benefit higher education institutions?

The survey results will provide valuable insights for higher education institutions to understand employer perceptions and tailor their programs to better meet industry needs.

Where can I access the full survey report?

The full survey report can be accessed on our website or by contacting us directly for a copy.

How can I participate in future surveys?

If you are interested in participating in future surveys related to employer confidence in higher education, please subscribe to our mailing list to stay updated on upcoming opportunities.

Is the survey methodology reliable?

Yes, the survey methodology employed was thorough and conducted by experienced researchers to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.