Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, published a survey report that examines how companies have handled and plan to handle college degree requirements in 2024. The report also shares insight into the tools that are used to evaluate job candidates. In total, Intelligent.com surveyed 800 employers in the United States.    

According to the survey, 45% of companies plan to eliminate bachelor's degree requirements for some positions in 2024. Conversely, 39% of employers say they will not eliminate bachelor's degree requirements in 2024, and 16% are unsure.

In 2023, 55% of companies removed bachelor's degree requirements for some roles. 70% removed it for entry-level roles, 61% for mid-level roles, and 45% for senior-level roles. These employers chose to eliminate degree requirements this year because they wanted 'to create a more diverse workforce,' wanted 'to increase the number of applicants,' or believed 'there are other ways to gain skills.'

However, according to ASE’s Starting Salaries for Co-op Students and Recent College Graduates shows that lightly more than seven of ten respondents (72%) say their company has hired a recent college graduate in the past year or plans to hire one in 2024. similar to what was reported in 2022 (73%).

"A bachelor's degree is much more than preparation for an entry-level job. It prepares people for a full life, including exploring what areas of employment might be a good fit for the immediate and long-term future," says professor and higher education advisor Diane Gayeski. "While a young person may be able to get an entry-level job without a bachelor's degree, the lack of the degree along with the other 'soft skills' that one gains in college can make it difficult to climb the corporate ladder."

Survey results also highlight that 80% of employers are 'very likely' or 'likely' to favor work experience over education when assessing job candidates' applications. Likewise, 81% say it is important for recent college graduates to have work experience. In fact, 75% of employers agree that certificate programs have value, while 68% say the same for associate degrees, and 61% for online degrees and apprenticeships. Additionally, to determine a candidate's fit for a job, 68% of employers give candidates test assignments and 64% give personality tests.

To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/nearly-half-of-companies-plan-to-eliminate-bachelors-degree-requirements-in-2024/

ASE Connect

When looking beyond a degree, ASE offers several candidate assessment options with our Selection and Development Services.

ASE Selection & Development Services - Our Selection & Development Services are unlike simple pre-hire assessments. You gain rich, behavioral data across the employee lifecycle, so you can move quickly on top-scoring candidates. In addition, these are easy-to-understand assessment reports highlighting overall scores, trait overviews, detailed insights, follow-up interview questions, and coaching suggestions.

ASE Starting Salaries for Co-op Students and Recent College Graduates – Learn more about college graduate hiring practices in Michigan in ASE’s latest survey. The survey is accessible to ASE members via the ASE Survey Library. Non-members can request to purchase the results here.