College students apply themselves practically

by Hillary Smith

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The economy’s influence at college is spanning far beyond Econ 101. With debts weighing heavily on their minds (or their parents’), students are choosing practical areas of study as they seek a guaranteed ROI from the academic experience.
Business schools are growing to accommodate students who see higher salary and flexibility as the payoff. The University of Minnesota recently opened bigger undergrad b-school buildings on two of its campuses, and smaller liberal arts schools are also adding business degree programs (StarTribune.com 9.22.08).
“Reverse transfers,” or transfers from a four-year bachelor’s to a two-year professional degree program, are also on the rise. For SUNY Rockland Community College’ spring semester, 422 students transferred from other colleges and universities, an increase of 35% over the previous spring’s transfers (SUNYRockland.edu 5.5.08).

WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS

Millennials are now looking for college to offer a real future in terms of Dollars & Sense^SM. Practical skills, a higher likelihood of employment, fixed salary and possibly a lower tuition — it all adds up.
Millennials aren’t looking at the ”college experience” the same way their parents or older siblings did. They want skills in something they’re interested in, and they want meaningful income. For some, it matters a lot less what it says at the top of the sheepskin.

RESOURCES

Iconowatch