Forget Ivy Leagues: Expert reveals why modern students prioritise passion and affordability over popular universities

Five years ago, studying abroad was often seen as a golden ticket to global prestige. Attendance at Ivy League universities or other highly selective, top ranking programs with a well-known brand name was the preferred choice of every student and parent. The entry into Harvard, Stanford, or Oxford was regarded as the pinnacle of achievement, quite often irrespective of the course or the field of study.But as the 2025 admission season kicks off, the priorities of students are shifting dramatically. Nowadays, students base their decisions on a clear understanding of their goals, the passion in their hearts, and the convenience of their wallets, rather than purely running after the university brand.We spoke to Ms. Khushboo Taparia Bedi, Head of the Career Cell at Sanskar Valley School, Bhopal, to understand the evolving mindset of Gen Z students when it comes to studying abroad.

Students prioritise courses over popular universities

“The holy grail for a lot of students and parents used to be Ivy Leagues and selective universities,” says Ms. Bedi. “Now, students are very clear about what they want to study. The purpose of education is driving their plans over prestige.”Students today spend significant time researching programs, course structures, and specializations before making a decision. They ask questions like:

This shift reflects a move from a society-driven approach—where parents often prioritized recognition and status—to a student-driven approach, where the focus is on clarity and long-term outcomes. For instance, a student interested in Artificial Intelligence may prefer a mid-ranked university with a strong AI lab over a prestigious institution where AI courses are limited.

Faculty first approach

Another notable trend is the emphasis on faculty expertise. “Students track which professor is doing what research. And if this aligns with what the student wants to do, they are willing to go ahead even if the university is not widely known,” explains Ms. Bedi.Mentorship and research opportunities seem to take over the role of institutional prestige, in a manner of speaking. Most students would consider getting knowledge from a renowned professor in their study area as more valuable than the university being recognized globally in ranking.This change is especially true of the disciplines that depend on practical guidance, lab facilities, and creative project supervision in an impactful way on the students’ future careers in STEM, business research and creative arts.Instead of brand names, students are now making their university wish lists based on the professors’ knowledge and the research opportunities available.

Security and affordability come first

Beyond academics, practical considerations have become key drivers of decision-making. “With so much political hustle around, parents feel safer with universities closer to home boundaries,” says Ms. Bedi.Financial factors are equally crucial. Many students are weighing scholarships, tuition fees, and living costs before making a choice. “I have known students to let go of Harvard and Stanford to study at a state university simply because they received a full scholarship. Students are mindful; they don’t want to start their educational journey with huge debt,” she adds.This signals a more cautious and realistic stance. Students are figuring out the return on investment of their degrees by including living expenses, work opportunities, and safety in a foreign country.

The bigger picture: Gen Z’s thoughtful approach

These three shifts—course over university, professor over brand, and practical considerations like security and affordability—highlight a broader trend: Gen Z is approaching global education with intentionality.Students today are not merely chasing prestige; they are charting a path that aligns with their passions, financial realities, and future ambitions. Such a generation is more self, reliant, digitally savvy, and ready to try less conventional routes in getting what they want, which is also reflected in their thinking.For universities, this trend represents two sides of a coin, challenges and opportunities. As a result, they have to put their efforts in unveiling the distinctiveness of their programs, the outstanding work of their faculties, the use of their mentors, and the offering of financial aids. The conventional brand and the global ranking, though still important, have ceased to be the exclusive reasons for the applicants.

Advice for students and parents

Students should take the time to research courses, professors, and practical opportunities carefully. They should look for mentorship and internship options that match their career goals while making sure their choices are financially sustainable. Parents could play a role in assisting their children by urging them to make educational decisions that center on their learning and development, and not at all on their status, say, prestige, while still keeping safety, affordability, and quality of guidance aspects in mind.