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<p>You might not even realize it, but somewhere along the way, the idea of choosing a college quietly morphed into choosing a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/brand-strategy-principles/">brand</a>.</p>







<p>The obsession with elite schools has hit a fever pitch. Ivy League institutions, for example, receive exceptionally high numbers of applications each year—even from students who may not have any intention of attending them. Why? Because prestige sells. It sells to our parents, to our peers, and most sneakily, to ourselves.</p>



<p>But if you're helping someone in your life, whether a younger sibling, a mentee, or even yourself, navigate the college decision process, it's worth asking: Is the goal to pick the right education, or just the right logo?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prestige-is-psychological">Prestige Is Psychological</h2>



<p>Brands don't exist by accident. They're a psychological shortcut—our brain's way of saying, "This must be good, because it's familiar and admired." That same mechanism that makes you reach for the well-known tech brand or athletic shoe applies just as strongly to educational institutions.</p>



<p>We're wired for social validation. Attending a prestigious school delivers that quick dopamine hit when someone reacts with, "Wow, you got in there?" But the power of that validation often masks deeper considerations: actual program quality, learning environment and long-term compatibility. Family pressure, peer influence and social media only intensify this bias. A school's perceived status can quickly become more important than its actual fit for your goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-actually-makes-a-college-right-for-you">What Actually Makes a College Right for You?</h2>



<p>Let's refocus. Forget for a moment about rankings, prestige, or how impressive the school looks in your Instagram bio. Ask instead: What do I need from a college experience to thrive?</p>



<p>Start with program relevance. A school's name won't land you a job if it didn't prepare you for the field you want to enter. Whether it's business analytics, nursing or design, the curriculum should match your career interests and offer hands-on opportunities.</p>



<p>Then consider the learning environment. Do you benefit from small class sizes where professors know your name? Is mentorship available? Will you get real-world experience before graduation?</p>



<p>And don't ignore cultural fit. College isn't just an academic choice; it's a four-year environment that shapes your habits, values and identity. Are you building a life that feels authentic, or just one that looks good on paper?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prestige-doesn-t-guarantee-roi">Prestige Doesn't Guarantee ROI</h2>



<p>It's time to get honest about return on investment. That shiny diploma from a brand-name school might come with six figures of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/saving-for-college-2024/">student loan debt</a>. Is that sustainable for you or your family?</p>



<p>Some of the most successful professionals you admire likely graduated from schools you've never heard of. Why? Because success has more to do with what you do during college than where you do it. Initiative, internships, connections and hustle all outweigh the logo on your sweatshirt.</p>



<p>Ask yourself this: If no one ever knew where I went to school, would I still want to go there?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-through-the-hype">Cutting Through the Hype</h2>



<p>To make a decision based on value instead of vanity, challenge yourself with better questions. There are many things to consider when choosing a college that go beyond name recognition.</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Would I attend this school if no one else knew I went there?</li>



<li>Does this program prepare me for the job I actually want—not just a vague idea of success?</li>



<li>Do I feel comfortable and energized by the campus and community?</li>



<li>Will I have access to support systems like mentorship, tutoring or counseling?</li>



<li>Can I graduate without being buried in debt?</li>
</ol>



<p>Use these questions to create your own value-driven checklist. Tour campuses not just for their brochures and buildings, but to observe interactions, sit in on classes, and talk with real students. Look beyond the marketing and into the experience itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-what-success-looks-like">Redefining What Success Looks Like</h2>



<p>Choosing a college shouldn't feel like picking a designer label. Rather, it should feel like choosing a launchpad. And launchpads come in all shapes and sizes. While some are big-name institutions, others are quietly powerful programs at schools that put student outcomes first.</p>



<p>If you define success for yourself, you're already ahead of the game. When prestige fades and real life begins, it's your growth, skills, and values that carry you — not the brand you once wore.</p>



<p>So make the choice that's right for <em>you</em>. Own your path. And don't worry if the name on your diploma doesn't make anyone's jaw drop. Your work, your mindset and your vision for your life will speak louder.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakruk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Josh Kruk</em></a><em> is the Director of Digital Marketing at </em><a href="https://www.canisius.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Canisius University</em></a><em>. With extensive experience in content strategy, website optimization and user experience (UX), he specializes in driving digital growth through data-driven marketing and SEO. Josh has led large-scale digital initiatives that enhance engagement, improve search visibility, and optimize user journeys. Passionate about innovation, he continuously refines digital experiences to maximize impact.</em></p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo from Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

Are you choosing a college for its name or for what truly aligns with your goals? Learn what makes a college right for you.

You might not even realize it, but somewhere along the way, the idea of choosing a college quietly morphed into choosing a brand. The obsession with elite | SUCCESS

Are You Choosing a College or Just a Brand?

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Are You Choosing a College or Just a Brand? | SUCCESS

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Trends &amp; Insights

Trends &amp; Insights Archives

Trends &amp; Insights | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Not too long ago, the college degree was a golden ticket—a symbol of intelligence, capability and a clear step toward professional success. Employers sought it out, parents expected it and job descriptions made it mandatory. But times have shifted, and so has the value of that once-essential credential.</p>



<p>Does your degree still matter in a world actively being reshaped by digital tools, remote work and constantly evolving industries? The answer isn’t as simple as it used to be.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skills-are-reshaping-hiring-norms">Skills are reshaping hiring norms</h2>



<p>It’s no longer shocking to see major companies drop degree requirements altogether. A <a href="https://hbr.org/2022/02/skills-based-hiring-is-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 report</a> from <em>Harvard Business Review</em> and the Burning Glass Institute found that employers reduced degree requirements in job listings by 46% for middle-skill roles and 31% for high-skill roles between 2017 and 2019.</p>



<p>Companies like IBM, Google and Apple have made headlines for emphasizing skills over diplomas, opening doors for nontraditional candidates with hands-on experience or industry certifications. The message? What you can do often matters more than where you went to school.</p>



<p>At the same time, platforms like Coursera, EdX and LinkedIn Learning are reshaping how professionals upskill. According to Coursera’s <a href="https://www.coursera.org/skills-reports/global/get-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Skills Report</a>, generative AI course enrollments surged by 1,060% from 2023 to 2024. This reflects a massive global shift toward building future-ready, digital-first skill sets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-a-degree-still-carries-weight">When a degree still carries weight</h2>



<p>That said, not all fields are shifting away from formal education. Medicine, law, engineering—these professions still demand accredited degrees, certifications and years of training. In these areas, a diploma is more than a symbol; it’s a legal and ethical requirement.</p>



<p>Other industries, like business and marketing, fall somewhere in the middle. Degrees can open doors, but experience, internships and digital fluency often carry just as much weight. And then there are hybrid fields—areas that blend scientific rigor with on-the-ground expertise. Take animal behavior and conservation science, for example. Understanding ecosystems, managing field research, and applying behavior theory requires more than curiosity—it demands formal study, often through specialized programs like an <a href="https://www.canisius.edu/academics/programs/undergraduate/animal-behavior-ecology-conservation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal behavior master’s degree program</a> or a master’s degree in geospatial intelligence. In these disciplines, a degree provides structure, mentorship and credibility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-success-outside-the-classroom">Building success outside the classroom</h2>



<p>Still, higher education isn’t the only path to success. Today, professionals are crafting careers through a mix of real-world experience, personal branding and intentional networking.</p>



<p>Certifications can boost credibility in areas like project management, UX design or data analysis. In fact, research from the <a href="https://itcertcouncil.org/certifications-can-be-a-powerful-tool-for-measuring-job-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IT Certification Council</a> showed that teams with mostly certified members complete projects about 25% faster, and certification can increase employee retention by 15%–20%. That kind of value isn’t just good for professionals—it’s good for business.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-a-mentor/">mentorships</a>—both formal and informal—offer practical insights that no textbook can. Add in platforms like GitHub, Medium or LinkedIn, and professionals now have powerful tools to showcase their work and connect with decision-makers directly.</p>



<p>This shift puts power back into the hands of individuals. With the right skills and visibility, anyone can build momentum—even without a traditional degree.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-competitive-in-a-changing-landscape">Staying competitive in a changing landscape</h2>



<p>So how do you stay relevant when the rules keep evolving?</p>



<p>Adaptability is key. Whether you’re degreed or self-taught, continuing to learn is nonnegotiable. That could mean exploring new certifications, learning from peers or even taking on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-stay-at-home-parents-guide-to-freelancing/">freelance projects</a> that stretch your skills in new directions.</p>



<p>Staying plugged into your industry—through newsletters, webinars, events or virtual communities—also helps you keep pace with trends and shifts. And never underestimate the value of storytelling. How you talk about your experience can often matter more than the letters after your name.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-desire-to-keep-learning-is-a-valuable-asset">A desire to keep learning is a valuable asset</h2>



<p>Degrees aren’t obsolete—but they’re no longer the only measure of potential. The modern job market favors those who are both curious and adaptable. Whether you hold a degree or not, what matters most is your willingness to keep learning.</p>



<p>That includes picking up new skills through online courses, earning a certification or simply taking on projects that push your boundaries. Maintaining connections to those in your industry can also spark fresh ideas and open doors.</p>



<p>Don’t just rely on your résumé. Tell your story. Be ready to explain how you’ve grown, what you’ve built and where you’re headed. The ability to articulate your value is a skill in itself—and one that can set you apart in any field.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by George Rudy/Shutterstock.</em></p>

As the world is reshaped by digital tools, remote work and constantly evolving industries, the value of a college degree has shifted.

As the world is reshaped by digital tools, remote work and constantly evolving industries, the value of a college degree has shifted. | SUCCESS

Does Your Degree Still Matter? Rethinking Success in a Changing World

Does Your Degree Still Matter? | SUCCESS

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Josh Kruk

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Are You Choosing a College or Just a Brand?

Does Your Degree Still Matter? Rethinking Success in a Changing World