As the landscape of higher education begins to contract, driven by a dwindling college-age population and an evolving job market, many Americans are questioning the value of a college degree. This skepticism is intensified by poor job outcomes for recent graduates and the impending impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment prospects. Ryan Lufkin, vice president of global academic strategy at education technology company Instructure, insists that while college is not “dead,” it is undergoing a significant transformation.
Public sentiment echoes Lufkin’s assertion. Surveys reveal that approximately eight in ten American adults believe colleges and universities are doing a fair or poor job at keeping tuition affordable. Additionally, around half express dissatisfaction with institutions’ capabilities to prepare students for lucrative careers, provide adequate financial assistance, and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“The idea that one rigid pathway works for every learner is fading fast,” Lufkin noted, emphasizing that students today are increasingly outcome-driven, demanding a tangible return on their investment in education. Many students who leave college face substantial student loan debt and an alarming underemployment rate; currently, 52 percent of college graduates are underemployed, with this figure only improving marginally over a decade. The recent surge in AI technology, projected to disrupt hundreds of millions of jobs by 2030, further complicates the situation, leaving graduates wary of their decisions.
Despite these challenges, Lufkin maintains that higher education remains essential to society. However, he acknowledges the pressing need for institutions to rethink how they deliver learning and equip students for life beyond graduation. By 2025, many universities are expected to tailor their programs to align more closely with economic demands and the current job market. Efforts are underway to enhance career readiness initiatives and reform the federal student loan process to minimize student debt, particularly for graduates in low-demand fields.
This shift towards outcome-oriented education raises critical questions regarding the role of technology, specifically AI, in teaching, advising, and assessment. Today’s college students possess heightened expectations for speed and personalization. Lufkin believes AI can play a vital role by offering more responsive and tailored experiences in essential college functions like course registration and academic advising. “Many institutions are putting guardrails in place to protect academic integrity, ensure responsible AI use, and protect student data privacy, which are important first steps,” he explained. He further emphasized that readiness encompasses more than policy, urging institutions to support faculty and integrate AI thoughtfully into their teaching and assessment methodologies.
However, resistance to AI reforms persists within some academic circles. By 2025, only 15 percent of universities were employing AI for student advising and support, while a mere six percent utilized it for individualized learning pathways. A survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed revealed that 52 percent of provosts opposed mandating AI usage by faculty, and 38 percent reported significant faculty resistance to AI integration.
For institutions that resist these technological advancements, adaptation may not remain optional. “Colleges are navigating enrollment shifts, financial pressures, evolving expectations around outcomes, rapid technological change, and the growing need to support holistic student well-being,” Lufkin said. He considers this a pivotal moment, one that may compel institutions to become more intentional and collaborative in their operations. Those aligning academic strategies with student support and long-term sustainability are likely to serve learners more effectively now and in the future.
Ultimately, Lufkin posits that the key to future success in higher education lies in adaptation. “Institutions that invest in connected systems, empower faculty, and design around learners won’t just respond to change; they’ll help shape the future of higher education,” he concluded, underscoring the necessity for a proactive approach in this rapidly changing landscape.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
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