The Education Level of Generation Z
Generation Z is following a different educational path than the generations that came before them. Among 18- to 21-year-olds no longer in high school, 57% are enrolled in two- or four-year colleges in 2018, compared to 52% of Millennials in 2003 and 43% of Gen Xers in 1987.
This statistic has implications for the way in which higher education institutions must prepare their students for a changing world.
1. Gen Z is the Most Educated Generation
Generation Z is on track to be the most educated generation in history. The majority of Gen Z students who have completed high school are enrolled in college. This trend is expected to continue as Generation Z moves into adulthood.
This statistic is significant because it shows that Gen Z students are eager to learn, and they are willing to invest in their education. This generation is apprehensive about the job market, but they are optimistic that education will help them find the right career path.
In addition, this statistic highlights the importance of educating Gen Z on the benefits of education. It also emphasizes the importance of providing flexible learning experiences for Gen Z students. This is necessary because the majority of them have jobs that don’t require a traditional college degree. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic spike in enrollments for short-term credential classes, which could be a sign that Gen Z is reconsidering their post-high school educational plans.
2. Gen Z Students Prioritize Practical Skills Over Formal Education
Unlike their millennial predecessors, Gen Z students prioritize practical skills over formal education. In a survey conducted by Barnes & Noble College, students said they prefer hands-on learning experiences that allow them to apply their knowledge and gain functional skills. This is one of the many ways in which Gen Z prioritizes flexibility over traditional educational structures, and it may help them thrive in today’s changing entry-level job market.
In addition, 58% of Gen Z students reported that they would rather self-educate in areas they are passionate about than subjects that merely embellish their resume. This is a seismic shift in Gen Z’s priorities and could reshape how educators and employers define success for this unique cohort.
Furthermore, only 39% of Gen Z believe that a university degree is necessary for a successful career. This could signal a reinvention of the education-to-career pipeline as Gen Z embraces a versatile mosaic of learning pathways — from online certifications, start-up culture, trade schools and apprenticeships to self-learning resources.
3. Gen Z Students Are More Concerned About College Debt
Gen Z has more financial concerns than previous generations. In fact, they’re much more worried about the cost of higher education. And it’s causing them to reconsider their educational plans.
They’re less interested in a traditional college experience, spending four years living with friends and attending frat parties. Instead, they’re more interested in alternative paths to success like coding bootcamps and online certifications.
This statistic illustrates the need for universities to offer more flexible education options that are more tailored to their students’ needs. If they want to keep Gen Z engaged, they’ll need to take a more hands-on approach to learning and incorporate real-world experience into their curriculum. Otherwise, they risk losing this generation of aspiring learners to other alternative paths. It’s a trend that should be watched closely by educators, employers and policymakers as it could mark a major shift in the way we view higher education.
4. Gen Z Students Spend More Time on the Internet for Entertainment and Leisure Activities
Gen Z students are the first generation born into modern technology and have grown up immersed in it. This means that they are accustomed to having instant access to their peers, trends and news from around the world. This also means that they are not accustomed to sitting in classrooms listening to lecture after lecture and they prefer to learn through online collaboration, video courses, virtual workshops, and one-to-one mentorships.
Another factor that makes Gen Z unique is their focus on social justice issues. These students are more concerned with racial equity, climate change and same-sex marriage than previous generations and expect higher education to reflect these concerns.
This statistic is significant because it shows that Gen Z is a highly collaborative generation and prefers to work together to learn. This is why it is important to create learning experiences that encourage group interaction and collaboration. Rather than relying on long threaded text-heavy forums and lectures, it is more effective to utilize new tools that allow students to collaborate in real time for ideation, problem solving and peer review.