The unemployment gap is partly due to the increase in competition and changing employer expectations, said David Deming, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. "What you're seeing is a consequence of the success we've had in educating more people."

Under Trump, the department could face underfunding or further understaffing. Disenfranchised students, including students of color and those with disabilities who rely on Title I funding, could be impacted if Trump makes additional cuts to the already underfunded program.

Colleges and universities hoping to keep their academic programs in rhythm with the world's emerging disciplines may learn something new from this higher education intelligence service's latest prediction.