Source: Fortune
Summary
A 2025 survey of over 150 companies found that 26% were recruiting from a brief selection of schools, up from 17% in 2022. This trend suggests that elite colleges are gaining an edge in hiring, despite public skepticism about the value of a college degree. Employers are increasingly relying on degree and GPA in hiring decisions, with many prioritizing candidates from prestigious universities near their headquarters. This shift may benefit elite institutions, which are seeing increased enrollment despite growing skepticism about the value of a four-year degree.
Our Reading
The strategy enters a familiar phase.
Companies are reverting to pre-pandemic hiring practices, prioritizing elite colleges and in-person recruitment. GE Appliances has reduced its recruitment events from 45-50 schools to just 15 institutions. McKinsey is “recommitting to a high-touch process,” hosting in-person events at a shortlist of 20 universities. This shift suggests that employers are seeking to recruit candidates who can thrive in an in-person work environment. The numbers tell a story of elite colleges regaining their edge in the job market.
Author: Evan Null
