Many companies are removing bachelor’s degree requirements to widen their talent pool. A survey by Intelligent.com found that 33% of business leaders reported eliminating this requirement in 2023. This shift recognizes the value of practical skills and real-world experience over formal education.
Workforce development leaders support this move, especially in a tight labor market, arguing that degree requirements limit talent pools. Huy Nguyen of Intelligent.com notes that removing degree requirements is popular across industries.
For organizations that have eliminated the degree requirement, 59% did so for entry-level jobs, 54% for mid-level, and 18% for senior-level roles. The reasons include prioritizing skills over education, promoting diversity, and increasing job applicants.
77% of business leaders now favor work experience over a bachelor’s degree. However, 97% still somewhat value a degree. Overall, 76% of companies felt successful in removing the degree requirement, with over 70% expanding access to talent and over 60% increasing applications. By 2025, 25% plan to further eliminate degree requirements, while 56% do not. The job market is challenging, emphasizing the need to retain talent.
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