Google is attempting to make it easier for young students to decide on colleges by including college scorecards automatically in its search results. In the same way that submitting the keyword "New York weather" brings up a card that shows relevant weather information without having to click on any links, Google will aggregate information about colleges up front in its searches.
The figures on Google's college scorecards come from the US Department of Education's 'College Scorecard' site, ensuring that there are no biases in the information displayed. That information includes things like graduation rate, average total cost with aid, average salary after attending that college, and up to date data on acceptance rates and tuition and fees.
The Google cards are both desktop and mobile friendly, making them easily accessible and digestible for any student.
Convenient College Scorecards
Googling for Colleges will Show Important Info for Students Up Front
Trend Themes
1. Automated College Scorecards - Opportunity to develop automated tools that aggregate and display college information upfront in search results, improving the decision-making process for students.
2. Data-driven College Selection - Potential to leverage data from credible sources, like the US Department of Education, to provide comprehensive and unbiased information to students, disrupting traditional college search methods.
3. Mobile-friendly College Search - Opportunity to create user-friendly mobile interfaces or apps that allow students to access essential college information conveniently, enhancing the college selection experience.
Industry Implications
1. Higher Education - Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in the development of automated college scorecard tools and data-driven platforms that revolutionize the way students explore and choose colleges.
2. Technology - The technology industry can harness the potential of data aggregation and algorithmic analysis to create innovative tools and services that streamline and personalize the college selection process.
3. Education Technology - Opportunities in the education technology sector include the creation of mobile-friendly interfaces and applications that provide seamless access to college information, improving the efficiency and convenience of college searches.