When freshmen arrive on university campuses in the fall of 2033, they may encounter a vastly transformed college experience. A significant number of these students might find that their first step into higher education is completely virtual.

A prediction by Harvard business professor Clayton Christensen, which has been gaining traction among some educators, suggests that over half of universities could face bankruptcy within the next 15 years.

This is the first in an eCampus News series examining the technological changes in higher education over the next 10 years. Click here to read the full article, and be sure to check out Part 2 next week.

Michael Horn, co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, has echoed this forecast but with a slightly more optimistic estimate, predicting that around 25 percent of universities may close their doors.

Regardless of the exact figure, this shift implies that the high school senior class of 2033 will have fewer traditional university options available. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to a lack of educational opportunities. Instead, it may indicate a broader array of innovative and accessible learning pathways for students.

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