# Alternative Education Graphics The 'Self-Learning: The New Masters Degree?' Infographic By Jennifer Gosnell | Published 2012-06-20 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-learning-the-new-masters-degree References: [udemy](http://www.udemy.com/blog/self-learning-the-new-masters-degree-infographic/) & [columnfivemedia](http://columnfivemedia.com/work-items/udemy-infographic-selflearning-new-masters-degree/) Education is still regarded as the path to a future career, but the means through which education is being attained is changing according to the '[Self Learning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/notclass1): the New Masters Degree?' infographic. With the rising cost of university and the [expanding student debt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/continuous-aiera-upskilling) in the United States, among other nations, the conventional idea of a university degree is in question. Ranked below work ethic and team skills, college education only holds a 42 percent approval rating as a top priority for young people. Further, a great number of people actually feel that their college education and, thereby, debt has actually held them back from buying a home, getting the career they want, etc. With university drop-outs like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates paving the way, students across America are re-assessing their opportunities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Self-learning:** The trend of self-learning is becoming more popular due to the high cost of traditional education, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in online education platforms. - **Alternative Education:** The trend of alternative education options is emerging as a way for individuals to gain skills and knowledge without incurring high amounts of student debt, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in vocational training and apprenticeships. - **Career-focused Education:** The trend of career-focused education is increasing as individuals seek to attain the skills and knowledge needed for specific job roles, creating opportunities for disruptive innovations in personalized and flexible learning programs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Online Education:** Online education platforms have an opportunity to disrupt the traditional education system by providing affordable and accessible alternatives to traditional degree programs. - **Vocational Training:** Vocational training programs have an opportunity to disrupt the higher education system by providing hands-on, job-specific training without the high costs of a traditional degree program. - **Apprenticeships:** Apprenticeship programs have an opportunity to disrupt the higher education system by providing on-the-job training and career development opportunities that are tailored to specific industries and job roles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blockchain-Powered Education Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elite-education-city.md) - [Futureproofing Edtech Startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edtech-startup.md) - [Educational Graphic Design Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canva-for-campus.md) - [Career-Accelerating Learning Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/career-accelerating-learning-platform.md) - [Redesigned Curricular Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-public-university-system.md) - [Branded Education Engagement Reports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-report.md) - [Connective Student Grad Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/devgrads.md) - [Personalized Skill Learning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getgoodat.md) - [AI-Specific Education Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/udacity-1.md)