The rise of accessible, low-cost AI tools like ChatGPT has transformed both the workplace and the classroom. Yet, many schools and universities are still struggling to create effective policies around their use. In fact, several college students we interviewed shared that most of their professors, unsure of how to handle AI tools, have simply chosen to ban them altogether—a response that reflects a growing trend.

At the same time, we’re seeing other concerning developments: students entering college without having read full-length books or written extended essays, and now increasingly outsourcing key parts of their learning to AI.

But while AI tools may seem like the cause of these problems, they are more accurately seen as accelerators of existing issues—not the root cause. Two long-standing trends, in particular, have contributed to the challenges higher education faces today:

1. The commodification of college education, where students are viewed more as customers than as learners.

2. An overemphasis on standardized testing in high school, especially in the U.S., which often comes at the expense of preparing students for adulthood and lifelong learning.

Additionally, changes in the job market and the rise of influencer culture have made traditional career paths less attractive. Many young people now see content creation and social media influence as legitimate alternatives to college degrees. As a result, higher education is often seen more as a credential than as a valuable developmental experience.

Despite these trends, we strongly believe that doing the hard work of learning in college is still worthwhile—especially in a rapidly evolving job market. As technology advances, the real value of college lies less in the specific content of classes and more in the skills students develop through academic work.

Take computer science as an example. At companies like Google, where AI now writes about 25% of new code, learning coding languages is less crucial than learning how to think critically, solve complex problems, and reason logically. These are the core abilities that help students adapt and thrive in an unpredictable world.

We can’t foresee exactly what the future holds, but we do know that success won’t follow the same clear path it once did. College is an essential opportunity to build resilience, intellectual curiosity, and mental stamina. When students engage deeply with challenging material, they learn how to tolerate frustration, wrestle with difficult questions, and form coherent arguments—all of which are more important now than ever.

Too often, young people are blamed for responding rationally to a system that undervalues deep learning. Instead, educators need to do a better job of showing why college work matters. That starts with designing assignments that prioritize skill development over rote memorization or content regurgitation.

It also requires open, honest conversations with students about the purpose of education. When students understand why they’re being asked to do something, they’re more likely to engage. Psychology researcher David Yeager, for example, has shown that when educators treat students with respect and explain the reasoning behind high expectations, students are far more likely to meet those expectations.

No matter where AI takes us in the coming years, some skills will always be essential: critical thinking, logical reasoning, perseverance, and ethical reflection. These are the skills that will help today’s students become thoughtful, capable, and adaptable adults.

College should be about more than just earning a degree. It’s a unique opportunity to develop the mindset and abilities that will carry students through a future we can’t yet predict.