A new survey of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers by ResumeTemplates.com highlights a clear trend: companies are increasingly dropping traditional degree requirements in favor of skills and experience. As employers rethink the value of college diplomas, the focus is shifting toward practical abilities and soft skills especially among Gen Z candidates.
Degree Requirements Are Disappearing
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25% of companies have dropped or plan to drop bachelor’s degree requirements in 2025.
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69% of employers now prioritize work experience over formal education.
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84% of companies that removed degree requirements report positive outcomes.
Why Employers Are Making the Change
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77% want to focus more on actual skills than on credentials.
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48% are motivated by goals to improve workforce diversity.
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28% cite the ability to offer lower salaries as a factor.
What Employers Want From Gen Z Candidates
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42% say Gen Z should prioritize gaining experience over earning a degree.
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35% emphasize AI and technical skills as more valuable than a degree.
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53% prefer candidates with strong soft skills but no degree, over those with a degree but weaker interpersonal skills.
“Dropping degree requirements opens doors for candidates and expands the talent pool for employers. Soft skills and culture fit are often more important than a diploma,” said Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.
The ResumeTemplates.com survey underscores a significant shift in hiring philosophy: degrees are no longer the gatekeeper they once were. Companies increasingly value skills, experience, and soft skills especially as they seek to diversify their workforce and adapt to evolving job requirements. This trend marks a turning point in how employers assess talent, leveling the playing field for candidates without traditional credentials.