Do you believe you are meeting the technological needs of your students? To answer that, we turn to the latest EDUCAUSE research on student experiences to see what areas they think are most important and where institutions are exceeding, meeting, or falling short of expectations. After that, we take a trip to the ASU+GSV Summit to listen in as two leading voices in higher education discuss whether they think college is worth it. We close this week’s issue with a look at the impact of reduced staffing at the Department of Education on federal data collection.  

After reading today’s issue, share in the comments whether you think college is worth it. 

2025 Students and Technology Report 

From 2025 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report: Shaping the Future of Higher Education Through Technology, Flexibility, and Well-Being  

This study examines six critical aspects of student experiences with insights into how institutions can meet student needs and enhance their learning experience and workforce preparation.   

Our Thoughts 

Another excellent report from EDUCAUSE and, as is often the case, one of the best parts is the recommendations section. However, before we dig into those, it’s worth reflecting on the overall usefulness of the report itself. It offers critical insights into technology adoption, learning modality preferences, workforce readiness, mental health, and accessibility. In the context of shifting dynamics in higher education and the rapid rise of AI in education, these insights are incredibly valuable. They can directly inform how we shape our curricula, allocate resources, and approach student engagement.   

Although the report is not primarily focused on AI, it surfaces important gaps in students’ perceptions of their generative AI readiness. While some students recognize AI’s relevance to their future careers, many feel unprepared by institutions to understand how to use it effectively or to anticipate its impact. This aligns with a recent Gallup survey in which students expressed a strong desire for more institutional guidance and support on AI. As we discuss higher education’s role in preparing students for the workforce, conversations about AI cannot be overlooked.  

As for the recommendations, I found the most impactful ones were those that emphasized the importance of communication. Much of the technology work happens behind the scenes, and people often only notice it when something goes wrong. The recommendations on communicating the value of investments–and including students in the conversation–were important reminders to bring the work of IT into the light. When we elevate the visibility of this work, we help foster understanding, trust, and a strong sense of collaboration across campus. 

Is College Worth It? 

From The Disagreement: Is College Worth it? | ASU+GSV Summit 2025  

In this live podcast recording of The Disagreement with Alex Grodd, two leading voices in higher education, Bridget Burns (CEO, University Innovation Alliance) and Ryan Craig (Managing Director, Achieve Partners), will tackle these pressing questions: Does the traditional college model still make sense in today’s economy? Should we embrace faster, skills-based alternatives? And how can institutions balance access, affordability, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing world?   

Our Thoughts 

Debating whether college is worth it is one of my favorite topics to discuss (see Episode 1 of ForecastED if you don’t believe me). It touches on one of the most pressing conversations today – whether a college degree still provides sufficient value to students, their families, and society. Of course, this debate doesn’t have easy answers. It’s further complicated by the personal context. Each student’s goals, background, and financial situation play a major role in shaping what “worth it” really means.  

That’s why the exchange between Bridget Burns and Ryan Craigs is so timely and important. In today’s environment, higher education institutions face increased scrutiny regarding affordability, workforce relevance, and return on investment. Their conversation captures the tension institutions must navigate between upholding traditional liberal arts values, which support democracy and social cohesion, and providing tangible, career-focused outcomes that many students and families now prioritize.  

Anyone working in higher education has a responsibility to engage thoughtfully with this question. Whether you want to be or not, you’re already part of the conversation. 

The Impacts of Missing NCES Data 

From How to keep moving when higher ed data dries up | University Business  

University Business discusses the future impacts of decreasing data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).  

Our Thoughts  

Although many outside of higher education may not grasp the full significance of NCES, those of us within the sector understand that the recent changes to the organization threaten to erode the federal data infrastructure that institutions have relied on for decades. The significant layoffs at NCES jeopardize the stability and integrity of essential tools such as IPEDS, College Navigator, and the College Scorecard. These resources are a fundamental part of how colleges and universities gauge performance, demonstrate value, and secure funding.  

This situation must be viewed within the broader context of higher education, where institutions already face intense scrutiny, enrollment pressures, and a demand for transparency and measurable outcomes. Losing this standardized, credible data platform will disproportionately impact community colleges and regional public institutions, which typically lack the sophisticated in-house analytic capabilities of larger research universities. Without standardized data, these institutions risk becoming invisible or worse–reliant on unvetted or incomparable data that undermines their credibility with the public and policymakers.  

While there is little that we can do to immediately reverse the situation at NCES, it’s important that our community acknowledges the implications and begins working with our professional associations to fill in any emerging data gaps. The future of higher education depends on our ability to tell clear, compelling, and evidence-based stories. In the absence of robust federal data, we must act strategically to ensure that incomplete narratives and external pressures don’t redefine the value of higher education on our behalf.