By Amy Webster, ACT Program Director, External Training Operations
Generation Z has broken the mold when it comes to higher education — and left higher education institutions (HEIs) scrambling to keep up. At a time when HEIs are already facing an enrollment cliff that threatens to close doors, many students are questioning the standard four-year degree model. So, how can HEIs adapt and thrive?
A smart place to start is by listening to Gen Z and Generation Alpha. Understanding how they view higher education can help institutions meet learners where they are, fit their expectations, and create pathways that make sense for where they want to go.
Defining success: “How do you get that glow-up?”
To understand what Gen Z wants from higher education, we first need to understand what success means to them. A degree or paycheck alone is not the whole “vibe” for them. Success is multidimensional: They want meaningful relationships, joy in learning, future-ready skills, and work-life balance.
They also do not want to be drowning in debt, which means practical, cost-conscious options matter. That is why many are questioning the traditional four-year degree and exploring tailored majors, understand what Gen Z wants from higher education, interdisciplinary studies, and other pathways that connect more directly to their goals.
Personalization: “Hits different”
Gen Z does not subscribe to a one-size-fits-all mentality. They are accustomed to AI, gaming, and interactive experiences that respond to their needs, and they expect that same level of relevance in the classroom.
They want more than personalized lessons. They want the college experience, guidance, and resources that reflect who they are, their values, and where they want to go after graduation. But they want that to be a cohesive experience; if they have to provide the same information over and over to get that personalized support, you’ve probably lost them.
Institutions can work smarter by using data responsibly across departments to provide coordinated, personalized support — without creating more work for students.
Customization: “Vibe check”
Personalization is only part of the equation. Gen Z also wants the freedom to customize their options.
What others may read as disinterest or aloofness can be Gen Z trying to protect time, mental health, and resources. If something is not working, they are willing to shift their energy and find a better approach. Entrepreneurship and new ways of working are their thing, and they are bringing that same mindset to higher education.
HEIs have an opportunity to pivot by offering flexible certificates and pathways tied to learners’ goals. Gen Z is not interested in following a traditional route without a reason that matters to them. They are open to interdisciplinary majors, stackable credentials, transferable credits, and alternative learning options such as LinkedIn Learning.
Connection: “Avoid NPC (non-player character) energy”
Gen Z is unlikely to respond to educators who do not show up as their authentic selves, with energy and purpose. If you are not in it, they are not in it.
In higher education, that can mean dropping a class — even a required one — to find an experience that feels more meaningful. While some may not always understand the choices they make, this generation of students may see it as protecting their limited energy and resources.
But when an educator makes a real connection, that relationship can become a lifelong source of guidance and opportunity. If we invest in authentic relationships rather than surface-level interactions, students and educators both have more to gain.
Technology integration: “Get with it”
Yes, the technology generation wants institutions to use technology. Inefficient systems waste students’ time and create avoidable friction.
But Gen Z does not necessarily want a fully asynchronous experience. Technology should increase flexibility and access without replacing human connection. The goal is not technology for technology’s sake; it is using the right tools to make learning more responsive, engaging, and human.
Respect and entertainment: “Avoiding the brainrot”
Low-key, Gen Z wants to be entertained. They move quickly, and education can use that energy to its advantage. They want to have fun — and honestly, who doesn’t?
Interactive, engaging lessons may take more time to build, but everyone can walk away with more. Students gain a stronger understanding of the material, and educators get to create memorable learning experiences.
Gen Z also expects a collaborative environment in the classroom. Students want educators to learn alongside them, not simply pass information in one direction. They bring knowledge and lived experience to the table, and they want to play an active role in the learning process. When educators make room for that partnership, learning becomes more relevant and more powerful.
“How do we slay?” Gen Z wants human connections and experiences that just make sense and reflect the world they live in. We can do that. No cap.
Hold on, don’t forget about Gen Alpha: “Let them cook”
The oldest Gen Alpha students are already in high school. Gen Z still matters, but institutions also need to consider the learners coming in the next few years.
Luckily for HEIs, Gen Z may have been a preview of Gen Alpha’s interests and needs. Gen Z helped redefine how students use technology; Gen Alpha has never known a world without it. They also expect technology to be integrated into their experience — but not at the expense of relationships and connection.
Much remains to be seen about what Gen Alpha will value as they enter adulthood. Still, institutions can begin meeting them where they are now. They share many of Gen Z’s priorities, with the added plot twist of being raised by millennials and bringing ’90s trends back into the chat.
The HEI playbook: “What’s the move?”
If HEIs want to implement actions that will increase enrollment, it’s imperative they meet their new cohorts of students where they are physically, mentally, and financially. Here are five ways to “lock in” to Gen Z and Gen Alpha students:
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Listen first: Regularly gather Gen Z and Gen Alpha feedback — and use it to shape programs, support, and recruitment messaging.
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Create flexible pathways: Offer stackable credentials, interdisciplinary majors, transferable credits, and shorter, career-connected options.
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Personalize the experience: Use student data responsibly across departments to deliver coordinated guidance without making students repeat themselves.
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Use technology to reduce friction: Modernize systems and integrate digital tools that improve access, flexibility, and engagement — without replacing human connection.
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Build authentic relationships: Equip faculty and staff to create respectful, interactive experiences that help students feel seen, supported, and connected to their goals. Partnering with external connections such as local K-12 districts and employers can help students better visualize their path forward.
Whatever the generation or learning tools, one thing remains true: Connection is key. Educators help learners see what is possible, identify pathways that fit, and move forward with confidence.
