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Renowned former college president Robin Capehart has published a compelling new article titled “The Shifting Landscape of Higher Education: Skills vs. Credentials” on his Substack platform, At a Slight Angle. In this insightful piece, Capehart delves into the growing shift in higher education as students, parents, and employers increasingly prioritize practical skills over traditional academic credentials.
The article draws from a recent conversation between Capehart and an official from a small college offering two- and four-year degree programs as well as certificates. The official highlighted a striking disparity in enrollment numbers between a two-year technology degree program and a nearby one-year technical certificate program. Capehart uses this as a springboard to explore the broader implications for higher education.
Key Insights from the Article
- Enrollment Trends: Capehart underscores a major trend in higher education—certificate programs are gaining popularity, while traditional degree programs are experiencing steady declines. For example, a two-year associate’s technology degree program enrolled just 30 students compared to over 200 students enrolled in a nearby one-year certificate program.
- Skills vs. Credentials: The article emphasizes that students and employers are placing higher value on practical, job-ready skills over traditional degree credentials. By 2023, over 70% of companies had adopted skills-based hiring approaches, reflecting this shift.
- Cost and Time Benefits: Certificate programs are appealing due to their shorter duration, lower costs, and direct alignment with workforce needs. Capehart highlights that certificate holders in technical fields often earn competitive salaries, sometimes outpacing associate degree holders.
- Challenges for Higher Education: Capehart questions the effectiveness of traditional general education courses, citing research that shows many students fail to significantly improve their critical thinking and communication skills during college. This gap between educational outcomes and workplace needs calls into question the value of traditional degree structures.
A Call to Action for Higher Education Institutions
In his article, Capehart urges colleges and universities to respond to these emerging trends by rethinking their program offerings and value propositions. He suggests strategies such as:
- Streamlining programs to align more closely with workforce demands.
- Offering hybrid pathways that combine technical skills with essential general education components.
- Embracing flexible, stackable credentials to provide students with tangible career outcomes.
Implications for Four-Year Institutions
Capehart’s analysis extends beyond two-year colleges. He warns that four-year institutions are also subject to increasing scrutiny. Rising tuition costs, uncertain returns on investment, and the looming 2025 “enrollment cliff” driven by demographic changes are forcing traditional colleges to adapt. Institutions that fail to address these challenges, Capehart argues, risk falling behind in the rapidly changing educational landscape.
A Vision for the Future of Education
Capehart concludes his article with an optimistic vision: colleges and universities that successfully balance the comprehensive benefits of traditional education with the practical demands of today’s job market will emerge as leaders in this new era of higher education. By aligning their programs with the priorities of students and employers, these institutions can thrive amidst change and continue to provide meaningful value.
About Robin Capehart
Robin Capehart is a distinguished leader in higher education, having served as a college president for over 13 years at two universities. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Capehart is a thought leader on the intersection of education, policy, and workforce development. His Substack publication, At a Slight Angle, offers in-depth analysis and commentary on key issues in higher education.
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To read Robin Capehart’s latest article, visit: Robincapehart.substack.com