What is Gen Z Looking for in College?

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z is currently 13 to 28 years old. While many have already started or finished college, some are just getting ready to apply, and the youngest have yet to begin their high school years.

So, what does this group have in common? No generation is a monolith, but certain shared experiences and environmental circumstances can create trends and popular sentiments. These shifts then shape the world — including higher education — and impact generations to come.

What is the Gen Z Approach to Learning?

In addition to a practical emphasis on career readiness, Generation Z learners want their education to be engaging, said Brooke Brigham, a career engagement partner at SNHU.

As the first generation to truly grow up with the internet and answers at their fingertips, Gen Z has been referred to as digital natives. They’re often regarded as tech-savvy and quick to adapt to advances in technology.

“Gen Z learners are resourceful and efficiency-driven,” Brigham said. “Many also prefer to learn in shorter bursts and apply knowledge quickly, whether through video resources, case studies, experiential learning or other simulations.”

Gen Z’s College Wishlist

Here are 6 of Gen Z’s top priorities when it comes to choosing a college and a program:

Accessibility

Accessibility is a priority for Gen Z in more ways than one.

“As the world becomes more accessible, Gen Z students have raised awareness that universities need to work together to be more inclusive," said Morgan Vaca, an academic advisor at SNHU.

On top of ensuring access for those with disabilities, students may also benefit from education they can access regardless of location.

“Technology has provided students with the opportunity to have global classrooms where Gen Z students can collaborate with peers across the globe seamlessly,” said Vaca.

For instance, if you live in a rural area or you frequently travel, an accessible online degree could allow you to complete your coursework from anywhere with internet.

Career Preparation

When compared with other generations, Gen Z students tend to be more intentional with their education and career planning, according to Vaca. She said the cohort is generally driven and focused on their professional goals.

Gen Z is facing a more competitive job market than previous generations, the World Economic Forum reports, which might contribute to their more pragmatic approach.

“My Gen Z students have a clear idea of what degree they want to pursue and why they are in their program,” Vaca said.

She noted that they’re invested in their learning outcomes on a smaller scale, too. “Such as, asking me why a certain course is integrated into their program and what learning outcomes from each course can be applied to their professional and personal lives,” she said.

As a result, students may be interested in programs that can prepare them for certain relevant certifications along the way.

Flexibility

“Gen Z lives on flexibility,” Brigham said. That’s part of why many students choose asynchronous online programs that allow them to study and complete assignments whenever it’s convenient while keeping up with weekly deadlines.

Kayla Stoll, a Gen Z student who is currently earning a bachelor's degree online in environmental science at SNHU, was first introduced to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It really offered a lot of flexibility," she said. "And so I knew going into college that (online learning) is something that I wanted to pursue."

Flexibility could be beneficial for anyone working to help pay for their education or balancing other commitments while in school.

Learn more: Picture an Online Degree at Your Own Pace

Interactive Technology

Having been raised in the digital era, technology is an integral part of learning for this generation of students.

“Gen Z has an almost overwhelming amount of technology, information and tools at their disposal, which gives them a certain advantage that hasn’t been available before,” said Victoria Wacik, an admission counselor at SNHU.

They’re also eager to explore new frontiers in interactive technology. For instance, Wacik said some of her Gen Z students are thoughtfully using AI in accordance with school guidelines.

“Generative AI is also part of their approach, but in my experience, I’m seeing it used as a way to jump-start the research or thought process, as Gen Z continues it from there,” Wacik said.

The generation also tends to prefer experiential learning opportunities and education that involves gamification and simulation technology, according to Brigham and Vaca.

Read more: What is Experiential Learning? Discover How You Can Learn by Doing

Return on Investment

This generation is prioritizing return on investment (ROI), according to Vaca.

"Gen Z reflects on the return on investment for their program and career choice," she said. That means they’re thinking about how much their degrees will cost and how much they’ll be able to earn in their field after graduating.

Vaca said they tend to be especially wary of overpaying for a degree, and as a result, some are turning away from more expensive institutions. “They seek transparency from a university versus if the university’s prestigious or not,” she said.

Keep reading: Choosing an Affordable Online College

Support and Connection

The ability to build a community and a support system in school can be crucial for students' well-being. But in general, Gen Z is struggling with isolation and loneliness, according to Business Insider.

While some might choose to earn a degree on campus for this reason, attending an online college doesn’t have to mean you’ll be disconnected. In addition to engaging with your peers and instructors through online discussion boards in your courses, SNHU hosts a number of online clubs and communities.

There are also admission counselors, academic advisors, learning support specialists, career advisors and other staff to support you along the way.

"I knew that was half the battle," Stoll said. "Having people around to support you throughout this."

Stoll said she looked at a few different online schools when deciding where to earn her degree, and SNHU's support stood out from other options.

"When I got on the phone with them, they were by far the kindest people that I talked to, and they were so welcome and so open and so helpful that I just knew from that point on that's this is where I want to be," she said. "I want to be in a community that's this friendly and this open to just helping you on this journey."

Luis Zayas '25, who earned a bachelor's in healthcare management online from SNHU, felt that same connection.

"I feel totally supported, like I've met some other classmates, but we just clicked because of work and just shared experiences," he said. "All the resources that were provided to me there were just amazing."

He noted that his academic advisor was especially supportive. "Every course, like every year, she was a really great help for me," he said.

Zayas encouraged other online students to use all available support and resources to make the most of their college experience.

How is Gen Z Changing Higher Education?

Gen Z is already leaving their mark on higher ed by advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in learning, as Vaca said, and that's not the only impact they've made.
“Each generation has changed the way higher education functions, and that’s great,” she said.

She noted that this generation has also encouraged schools to prioritize career readiness. “Gen Z students have also advocated for holding universities accountable for providing classroom content that directly aligns with their career goals,” Vaca said.

The Growth of Online Education

Because most were in school during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Z is generally familiar with remote learning. “COVID-19 hit (many in) this generation while in high school and college, which impacted their learning experience and emphasized the importance of online learning,” said Hope Mohrland, an admission counselor from SNHU.

Some students are looking forward to a campus experience for college, but many — like Stoll — remain interested in online education. In fact, 82% of Gen Z students said they were likely to consider online courses in the future, according to Inside Higher Ed.

“Gen Z has helped remove the stigma of online learning and has been the biggest advocate for this type of learning," Vaca said.

While studying environmental science online at SNHU, Stoll noted that she appreciates connecting with people in different regions and learning about their environments. "It's amazing being online because you get to know people from all over the country," she said. "I had a professor that was actually living in Alaska, and I got to know of the experiences from her area."

Mohrland noted that she sees Gen Z as resilient learners who are interested in the freedom and other benefits like these that online education can provide.

“This generation will continue to influence the higher education experience by prioritizing accessible, flexible and affordable education,” Mohrland said. “Due to this, online education opportunities will continue to grow and open doors to others while supporting a lifelong learning of technology.”

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.