More young people are questioning the value of college, some universities are rethinking liberal arts programs

By Kirk Carapezza

Published December 21, 2025 at 8:10 AM EST

Brandeis University says it is revamping its humanities offerings to focus on preparing its students for the workforce. It is one of a number of schools making such moves.

Kirk Carapezza

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Cartagena's iconic horse carriages give way to electric buggies

Manuel Rueda

Cartagena, Colombia, is set to ban its iconic horse-drawn carriages, replacing them with electric buggies — a move dividing the historic city over tradition, tourism, and animal welfare.
With cases on the rise, experts worry the U.S. is in for another bad flu season

Rob Stein

Flu cases are soaring in New York and picking up in other parts of the country. Experts worry it will be another bad season. COVID and RSV have been less of a problem, but they're also on the rise.
Politics chat: Redacted Epstein files released; Trump under pressure about economy

Ayesha Rascoe, Deepa Shivaram

Extensive redactions of the Epstein files add to the political pressure President Trump is already under for his handling of the economy.
The Ellisons add TikTok's U.S. business to their entertainment empire

Ayesha Rascoe, Bobby Allyn

TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors led by Larry Ellison, the billionaire ally of Trump whose family media and entertainment empire just got bigger.
Chevron continues operations in Venezuela despite war threat

Ayesha Rascoe

Despite the threat of war, U.S. oil giant Chevron continues to operate in Venezuela. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe asks energy security analyst Clayton Seigle about the company's role in the country.