When a purchase is made, the customer usually wants to ensure that they are getting the correct value for their money. Individuals applying for university also want to know that the program they are applying for is worth the time and amount they are willing to spend.

Today, colleges and universities are trying to improve the quality of the educational programs they offer so that they can stay ahead in the industry. It is well known that attending university is one of the most expensive investments you can make; nevertheless, it is always a good idea to try to increase your future income by studying for a degree in a field you are passionate about.

The average bachelor’s degree holder contributes $278,000 more to local economies than the average high school graduate through direct spending throughout his or her lifetime. Additionally, an associate degree holder contributes $81,000 more than a high school graduate.

According to an academic student experience survey, 31% of college students thought their courses were of poor value or not worth the amount they paid. The survey also shows a 2% decline in students’ satisfaction with value for money. The key to adding value to the degrees your university offers is first knowing what your prospective students expect, which factors they take into consideration when choosing their next program, and reading the market and finding the best suitable strategy to deliver what students need.

Add More Value to Degrees

Here are five ways that universities or colleges can add value to their degree programs:

1. Create Opportunities to Engage in Immersive Learning

Immersive learning is a virtual reality tool that allows students to learn to control outcomes by connecting them with authentic experiences in a safe environment. In addition to improving engagement levels, it also boosts their motivation as they get to be in charge of the virtual world they’re in. Immersive learning uses advanced technology to its advantage by implementing augmented reality with artificial intelligence.

Introducing immersive learning helps significantly in preparing students to be able to navigate real-world experiences. It helps build motivation, knowledge retention, and a personalized learning approach that helps students learn at their own pace.

Immersive learning is considered the future of education and aids students in developing hands-on mastery of crafts and skills without the monotony of listening to a lecture-based lesson. Integrating this form of learning in the classroom is for students’ benefits, and the return on investment is inherently rewarding. Immersive learning will allow students to see value for their money because they can garner valuable skills and practices using advanced technology.

2. Build Real-World Experiences through Internships, Voluntary Work and Community Service

Introducing opportunities for work experience is vital for students to get the most out of their degrees.  Students value volunteering opportunities to support colleagues and fellow students. They also have an interest in showing companies the hard and soft employability skills they have learned and can apply.

Internships and volunteer opportunities are a great way to get exposed to what it is like working in a specific industry. Universities should allow students to have the opportunity of putting what skills and knowledge they already have to the test and to learn something new from their experiences.

Students will then see that the value of their degree goes well beyond grades, awards, and lecture notes. They will be able to see the success tied to attending university in their professional future because it offered several opportunities of work experience and advocated for students being able to learn essential skills through other environments.

3. Facilitating Affordable Study Abroad Programs for Every Field of Study

It is no secret that study abroad programs can significantly help improve your career prospects. While it comes with more unique and expensive challenges, it is still a worthwhile investment.

Universities providing more opportunities for students to study abroad would create many global career options for them. Not only will they be able to experience a different culture, but they will still be receiving the same high-quality education. 

Students will see the added value afforded to them through their degree when they can learn a new language and become exposed to new career opportunities they wouldn’t have been privy to before. Studying abroad can help give students a greater understanding of the world and develop a greater sense of independence and maturity. Employers have been noted to value graduates with international experience and education more highly. 

4. Regular Faculty Study Tours

Students and instructors alike find that they gain a greater amount of memorable and knowledgeable experiences through faculty-led study tours. The benefits of a faculty-led study tour are to target specific program areas and help students become more involved in culture, exploration, and learning experiences.

Faculty study tours are a great way for universities to add value to their degrees because their students can more easily get personal experiences with their community, an enhanced perspective, effective networking, and global networking.

5. Hosting Virtual and Face-to-Face Career Training Events

Creating more events geared towards helping students understand more about their career options and the degree they are pursuing is always a step in the right direction. Developing engaging ways to assist students in gaining experience for the real world should be the aim of all universities. These events would allow students to network with potential employers, access free workshops and seminars, have their resume and transcript reviewed, and interact with other students with similar interests.

StartNoo is committed to adding value to colleges and universities. If StartNoo isn’t on your campus yet, consider signing your university’s petition or becoming a Campus Manager. Join the StartNoo community for more information to help your students see the value in the degrees you have to offer!