A new report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences examines the value of a college degree in the humanities across different states, according to analysis by The Chronicle. The study finds that graduates in every state who majored in humanities fields outearned people with no degree, had a median income at least 40% higher than that of workers with only a high school diploma, and, in seven states, out-earned those without college degrees by at least 80%. Humanities majors had the same unemployment rate as other college graduates (roughly 3%, about half the average unemployment rate for people without college degrees). As humanities programs face budget cuts in some states, colleges and universities hope the data will convince state lawmakers that humanities majors have positive career outcomes.
As faculty members report a rise in classroom disruptions and conflict, some colleges and universities are grappling with students’ increasing demands for flexibility, The Chronicle reports. Administrators and experts say the changes are caused by a rise in mental-health challenges, a lack of interaction during the pandemic, students’ growing use of social media, political divides, and a shifting power dynamic where students feel more comfortable advocating for their needs. To address these challenges, student-affairs staff recommend looking at life factors, such as long commutes, work hours, and difficulty with time management. Services could include academic coaching, help finding scholarships or on-campus jobs, and transparent course design.