In this episode of Accreditation & Beyond, Dr. Ramin Golbaghi and Sam Askary unpack one of the most pressing questions in higher education today: Is college still worth the cost? With student loan debt topping $1.7 trillion and enrollment rates continuing to fall, colleges and universities must re-examine their accreditation strategy , student engagement practices, and long-term institutional viability. Whether you’re a compliance leader, college owner, or academic director, this conversation offers real data, and real solutions.
Why Enrollment Is Dropping
Ramin and Sam begin with a data-informed examination of what’s fueling the enrollment cliff. From falling birth rates to skepticism about the value of a degree, the episode highlights how demographic shifts and economic realities have created a new normal. Community colleges have taken the biggest hit, but even well-established four-year institutions are seeing steady declines, especially among male students and first-generation learners.
The ROI Problem: Degrees vs. Debt
College costs have increased by more than 150% in the last 20 years, while wages for new graduates have barely kept pace. The result? A growing number of students (and their families) are questioning whether a four-year degree is worth the financial burden. Ramin walks through the latest numbers from the NCES and the Federal Reserve, while Sam explains how institutions can respond by focusing on career outcomes, not just credentials.
is college still worth it 2025
How Gen Z Is Changing the Game
Gen Z learners are digital natives who expect flexibility, relevance, and clarity. The episode explores how they’re choosing microcredentials, bootcamps, and remote apprenticeships over traditional degrees, and why schools that cling to legacy formats may be left behind. Sam shares examples from institutions that have embraced hybrid models and are now seeing improved enrollment and retention.
The Accreditation Angle
Enrollment isn’t just a recruitment issue; it’s an accreditation issue. Ramin outlines how accreditors are increasingly scrutinizing persistence, placement, and program relevance during self-studies and candidacy reviews. Schools must demonstrate not only that they’re meeting standards, but that they’re evolving in response to market demands. Documentation, data, and strategy are key.
What Smart Institutions Are Doing Now
Listeners will hear practical strategies from institutions that are successfully navigating the enrollment cliff. These include curriculum restructuring, shifting toward stackable credentials, launching accelerated certificates, and revising marketing to focus on outcomes. Sam emphasizes the importance of aligning all changes with the institutional mission and documenting the process for compliance.
Missteps to Avoid
Ramin and Sam also call out some common errors: ignoring retention trends, misaligning programs with labor market data, or downplaying the role of assessment in enrollment health. They advise leaders to avoid reactive, one-off fixes and instead commit to a longer-term strategic response grounded in real data.
Final Takeaways for Leaders
As this episode makes clear, the question isn’t just “Is higher ed worth it?”; it’s “How do we make it worth it again?” Institutions that are willing to adapt, listen, and evolve will not only survive, but they’ll also lead. But it starts with action. Now.
Listen to the full episode above, share it with your leadership team, and contact us if you’re ready to talk
Schedule a free consultation or download our free toolkit today.
📧 info@AccreditationXpert.com
📞 1-833-232-1400
🌐 www.AccreditationXpert.com (That’s X-P-E-R-T)
