More U.S. companies are waiving bachelor’s degree requirements for job openings, as another quarter of employers surveyed by ResumeTemplates reported that they will drop the credential as a prerequisite for some roles by the end of this year.
The resume creation service collaborated with Pollfish to survey 1,000 U.S. hiring managers in May 2024.
Of the 21% that had already removed degree requirements last year, four out of five say the initiative has been successful. Two-thirds of the roles that eliminated the requirements in 2024 and 2025 were for level-entry positions.
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen large organizations drop degree requirements in favor of certifications or experience, and now others are following suit,” Julia Toothacre, chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates, said in a statement.
“For employers, it expands the talent pool and generates positive PR. For candidates, it opens doors for those who can’t afford a degree or choose a different path.”
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More than three-quarters of survey respondents said their decision to turn away from requiring degrees was based on a deeper desire to focus on applicants’ skill sets. More than one-third (32%) said they aren’t finding suitable candidates among those with a formal education, and 69% of employers say their company now prioritizes relevant experience over a bachelor’s when making hiring decisions.
Employers favored soft skills and AI prowess as the kinds of assets they want from their applicants. More than one-third (35%)—which made up the majority of respondents—say Gen Z should focus on AI skills instead of a formal education. Additionally, when deciding between a Gen Z candidate with strong interpersonal skills but no college degree and one with a degree but weaker soft skills, a majority favored the candidate without a degree.
Lastly, companies that have already nixed degree requirements said they are enjoying a more diverse applicant pool.
A bachelor’s degree still seems to play an important role above entry-level positions. More than half of hiring managers say “a lot” of roles at their company still require a degree.
