Higher Education Trends: How innovative colleges are responding.

Published March 2024. Udated February 2026

The past year has presented significant challenges for higher education, including questioning the value of a college degree, fewer entry-level jobs, the rise of AI, and a growing skills gap. Institutions are also feeling the impact of declining international student enrollment and tighter government funding. As a result, academic institutions are being forced to get creative to thrive.

In this blog, we’ll explore five key higher education trends that can help educators navigate these challenges and achieve success. These strategies have proven to deliver results, and we believe they can offer real value to institutions looking to adapt and grow in today’s evolving landscape. Keep reading to learn more!

Expanding experiential learning programs.

A recent 2025 survey from NBC revealed that two-thirds of Americans said they didn’t believe a four-year degree is worth the cost, because students graduate with uncertain job prospects and large student debt. To address these concerns around the value of a degree, many leading institutions are enhancing their experiential learning programs.

Experiential learning is learning by doing. It can take a variety of forms, including real-world projects, internships, and co-ops, and provides a host of benefits. Students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings, increasing engagement, mastering skills, and gaining valuable experience they can add to their resumes.  

And while experiential learning is not new, its integration into mainstream curriculum is a more recent trend. Educators are beginning to add real-world projects directly into their courses. Some institutions are even designing new courses that incorporate work-integrated learning activities, including specific hands-on, authentic experiences to prepare students for success in their future careers. These enhancements allow students to participate in multiple experiential learning opportunities throughout their educational careers, giving them an advantage when they are ready to seek a full-time job.

Continuing investment in flexible delivery options.

As the demographics of college students continues to shift, non-traditional students have become the new majority with more than 40% aged 22+ and 70% working jobs while attending school (SOURCE: The Genio). To meet the diverse needs of these students for anywhere, anytime learning, institutions are providing instruction in a variety of formats, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid.

Some schools are extending these delivery options beyond classroom lectures and labs to encompass experiential learning opportunities. For example, Red River College Polytechnic leveraged an online platform for project-based learning. “The platform adds a whole new dimension to applied learning and builds on the College’s already successful model, except now they’re doing it in a virtual environment,” explained Kirk Johnson, Dean. “This approach empowers our students to thrive in an economy undergoing rapid digital transformation. And they end up with one, and sometimes several, examples of completed projects for their portfolio or resume—that’s a huge boost when they’re looking to launch their career.”  

Increasing focus on durable skills.

As businesses begin to adopt AI, degrees that were in high demand just a few years ago no longer guarantee a job. Case in point, The New York Times reports that many recent computer science graduates are underemployed; therefore, a major higher education trend sees educators doubling down on teaching durable skills.

The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) defines durable skills as “human skills—such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork—that are highly sought after but in short supply.” When BHEF surveyed business leaders, they found that 62% reported difficulty finding entry-level talent with durable skills.

Holly Stirton, Instructor, Saskatchewan Polytechnic relies on real-world projects to help her students hone their durable skills. She shared, “Working with a real client has allowed them to work on their soft skills – meetings, communication, and presentation skills. They have also encountered challenges that wouldn’t be presented in a case study, forcing them to apply their critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems.”  

Collaborating more closely with industry.

BHEF’s survey also uncovered a lack of entry-level talent with the right business and technical skills. Two-thirds of business leaders said candidates didn’t have the skills needed. To fill this gap, proactive schools are investing in relationships with local businesses and industry partners.

Thompson Rivers University is one such institution. Jamie Noakes, a Faculty Member and Career and Experiential Learning Chairperson, explained, “These partnerships [with local organizations] have served as a vital bridge between academia and industry, demonstrating the value of experiential learning for both students and employers. This initiative also opened doors for our faculty to establish new and innovative connections with employers, creating pathways for future collaborations and expanding their engagement with the broader community.”

Identifying trusted partners.

In uncertain economic times, it’s more important than ever for institutions to control costs. Smart administrators are strategically outsourcing non-core services so they can focus on what they do best, educating our next generation of professionals, community leaders, and citizens. They are researching and vetting vendors to identify trusted partners that understand the unique needs of higher education and have a proven track record of results.

That’s what Tracy Whatmore from MacEwan University did. When the institution decided it needed help facilitating its Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program, it turned to Riipen. The relationship was successful, streamlining the program and allowing it to expand. “In this blog, we’ll explore five key higher education trends that can help educators navigate these challenges and achieve success. These strategies have proven to deliver results, and we believe they can offer real value to institutions looking to adapt and grow in today’s evolving landscape. Keep reading to learn more!In this blog, we’ll explore five key higher education trends that can help educators navigate these challenges and achieve success. These strategies have proven to deliver results, and we believe they can offer real value to institutions looking to adapt and grow in today’s evolving landscape. Keep reading to learn more!she reported.

If your institution needs assistance responding to today’s higher education trends, Riipen is available to help. Connect with our team to discuss how we can partner to achieve your goals