Rethinking College for Filipinos

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving perceptions of higher education among Filipino students and families, questioning whether college still fulfills its promise of socioeconomic mobility. While traditionally viewed as a pathway out of poverty, college has become a source of financial and emotional strain, with students often pressured into practical but uninspiring degree programs. Drawing from recent studies and cultural realities, the paper highlights how financial burdens, mismatched expectations, and labor market instability have led many students to question the real value of a diploma. It argues that the current system prioritizes credentials over purpose and adaptability, failing to align academic programs with students' passions or evolving workforce demands. The study calls for a shift in higher education—from one that merely produces graduates to one that nurtures growth, curiosity, and resilience. By rethinking how college is framed and delivered, institutions can better equip students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning in an uncertain future.