More than any previous generation, Gen Z is questioning traditional college education. Factors like affordability, time and career training are key factors for them when thinking about attending college. “A majority of Generation Z (83%) in the U.S. say that a college education today is ‘very important’ or ‘fairly important,’ according to new data from the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation-State of American Youth Survey. Thirty-nine percent of Gen Z, defined in that study as people aged 12 to 26, think a college education is very important.” Other polls about Gen Z’s opinions on higher education focus on what they prioritize in their search. According to a report from ECMC Group and Vice Media, 79% said on-the-job learning experiences should be a part of their higher education with 65% saying they would learn these skills through internships or similar programs.

For these reasons and many more, it is no wonder that dual degree enrollment programs have gained popularity in recent years. In a 2022 dual enrollment study commissioned by the State of New Jersey based on statistics from The National Center for Education Statistics at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), it was reported that 82% of public schools nationally offered dual or concurrent degree opportunities for students in grades nine through twelve. The benefits of dual degree enrollment cannot be understated. Students in these programs:

• Are more likely to earn higher grades in high school, graduate from high school, attend an institution of higher education, and successfully earn a post-secondary degree;
• Are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks;
• Are less likely to require remedial English or math;
• Earn higher first-year grade point averages;
• Have shorter average time to bachelor’s degree completion;
• Are more likely to see themselves as “college material”;
• Have a wider choice of subject matter options that appeal to students in high school;
• Have potential future tuition savings; and
• Have an increased awareness of various college and career pathways.

Saint Peter’s University is proud to introduce APEX as an innovative initiative in the future of higher education to meet the growing demands and needs of students.

Sources: Majority of Gen Z Consider College Education Important (Gallup) and Gen Z Values Education – But Doesn’t Think a Four-Year Degree is the Only Option (Higher Ed Dive).