As the job market evolves, a growing number of companies are eliminating bachelor’s degree requirements for certain positions. To learn more about this trend, Intelligent.com recently surveyed 750 U.S. business leaders (www.intelligent.com/1-in-3-companies-eliminated-bachelors-degree-requirements-so-far-this-year).
So far this year, 33% of surveyed business leaders say their company has eliminated the requirement for a bachelor’s degree for certain roles. Among the companies that have removed the degree requirement, 59% have done so for entry-level positions, 54% for mid-level roles and 18% for senior-level roles; all still require a bachelor’s degree for at least a few roles.
Eliminating bachelor’s degree requirements from the hiring and recruiting process is becoming increasingly popular across many industries. The trend shift shows a broader recognition that practical skills, real-world work experiences, and the ability to self-learn can be more important measures of potential success than four years of formal college education in many job functions.
The elimination of degree requirements has been perceived as successful by a majority of companies, with 29% rating it as very successful and 47% as successful. Around 17% have found it to be somewhat successful and only 2% consider it not successful at all. An additional 5% are unsure of its success.
With 64% of business leaders reporting they receive more applications as a result, 83% report that eliminating degree requirements expands access to talent while 69% note it helps create a more diverse workforce. A smaller percentage (31%) mention that it allows them to offer lower wages.
During the hiring process, 66% of business leaders say they highly value whether a candidate has a bachelor’s degree, and 31% say they value it somewhat. However, when asked whether workers should prioritize work experience over obtaining a bachelor’s degree, 62% of business leaders answered that they should.
While a college degree provides individuals with a good foundation of theoretical knowledge, the information and strategies learned are quickly outdated as industry trends shift rapidly and new technology emerges to meet these demands. Candidates with hands-on experience bring relevant skills and industry knowledge that can make an immediate impact on the business. Additionally, these experiences may make them more adaptable and resilient, giving them a higher chance for success in the role they are applying for.
Looking ahead to 2025, 25% of business leaders say their company plans to eliminate or further eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for some positions, while 56% say their company does not have such plans, and 19% are unsure.
This online poll was commissioned by Intelligent.com and conducted on Pollfish in June 2024. In total, 750 U.S. business leaders completed the survey.
Huy Nguyen is chief education and career development advisor at Intelligent.
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