Published: 2025-08-10
Last Updated: 2025-08-10
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The U.S. educational requirements for adults changed because it was financially irresponsible to attend college for many professionals. However, many college graduates expected jobs or peer recognition without actually being able to perform the work requirements, which aren't taught in school normally.
Besides the cost of college, which has come down in price and is more financially responsible; the time commitment exceeds what would be considered reasonable for a professional to learn a new skill or change job roles.
Overall, there are less than 1,000 colleges globally. The U.S. had over 8,000 colleges in 2014 which is down to 3,500 ranked colleges and universities as of 2017, with those to be consolidated further to a "University of " for each state, State University system, and some community colleges which are viewed as in person learning centers and are not to be crowded year round.
The rest of the platforms are going to online format, virtual, hybrid, or in person for locals and occasional visitors. Such as a 1 week residency, a Summer or a 1/2 term semester on campus.
Online is normally go at your own pace, and virtual might have scheduled meetings for lecture, lab or class time. This provides additional confidence building and topic focus for those that need it. Hybrid is a little of both online/virtual or online/inperson. It helps transition to the new format of online or mostly online.
This was viewed as necessary to restore the US economic system to something more normal with additional liberties and freedom to seek opportunities based on self selected interests and ability to perform.
It creates a better workplace by shortening training periods to less than 2 years and as little as 1-2 semesters for a career change. A career is the same type of job for very many years. A long time ago, a career was the same job with the same employer for 20 to 45 years.
This is no longer feasible because jobs last 6 months to 2 years and careers are 5-6 year periods. People can re-sign up for the same career but is not recommended unless switching job roles.