As college tuition continues to skyrocket, the age-old practice of allowing students to fail has been quietly abandoned, creating graduates with inflated grades but diminished resilience.

At a Glance

• Universities have created extensive support systems that make it increasingly difficult for students to earn an F compared to an A
• The culture of “every student is a genius” has contributed to grade inflation and diminished the valuable learning that comes from failur
• Employers report being less impressed by high GPAs and multiple majors, citing entitlement and poor work ethic among recent graduates
• Student athletes tend to have better career outcomes because they’re accustomed to managing failure
• Educational reforms that embrace productive failure could foster resilience and practical skills over academic accolades

The High Cost of Not Failing

With college tuition reaching unprecedented heights, universities have created environments where failure has become nearly impossible. The financial investment families make in higher education has transformed the academic landscape into one where visible indicators of success are prioritized above genuine learning experiences. This shift has led to the development of extensive support systems including academic advising, writing centers, counseling services, and special testing accommodations – all designed to prevent students from experiencing failure.

“The culture of ‘every student is a genius’ has contributed to grade inflation and a lack of appreciation for learning from failure.”, said Bill Bergman.

This well-intentioned support structure has inadvertently created a significant problem: grade inflation. When nearly everyone receives As and Bs, the distinction between excellent, good, and mediocre work becomes blurred. Traditional grading as a performance measure has become outdated, influenced by overprotective parents and extensive support services that shield students from consequences. The result is a generation of graduates who have never learned to cope with academic disappointment.

The Employer’s Perspective

The disconnect between academic success and workplace readiness has become increasingly apparent to employers. Companies report being less impressed by candidates with perfect GPAs and multiple majors or minors. What might look impressive on paper often translates to entitlement and poor work ethic in the workplace. Employers are finding that inflated grades don’t necessarily correlate with the skills needed for professional success – particularly the ability to handle setbacks and criticism.

Interestingly, student athletes often demonstrate better career outcomes than their peers. The reason is simple: athletes are accustomed to managing failure. The discipline required in sports – with its inevitable wins and losses – builds resilience that translates well to professional environments. This contrast highlights how the current academic system, which shields students from failure, may actually be hindering rather than helping their long-term success.

Reimagining Academic Failure

Academic failure, when properly framed, can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Early intervention is crucial for helping students recover from academic setbacks, which can otherwise lead to disengagement, self-doubt, and increased dropout rates. Universities need strategies that address both the emotional and academic challenges of failure, encouraging students to view these experiences as learning opportunities rather than personal deficiencies.

Some progressive educators are advocating for “Designing for Productive Failure” – an approach that intentionally incorporates challenges into the learning process. This method acknowledges that struggle and occasional failure are essential components of deep learning. Younger professors are already addressing student perceptions of grades by focusing on learning through trial and error, rather than achievement of perfect scores. These approaches represent a significant departure from the current system where student anxiety over grades drives grade inflation.

The Path Forward

Higher education faces numerous challenges: generative AI, reduced federal support, and a shrinking student population. However, updating evaluation methods to embrace failure as part of the learning process may be equally crucial. Creating supportive environments that provide clear, actionable steps for recovery while still allowing students to experience the consequences of their academic choices could transform higher education. The goal should be graduates who are not only knowledgeable but resilient and prepared for workplace realities.

For conservative values that prize self-reliance and personal responsibility, this reform represents a return to educational fundamentals. When students learn to fail and recover, they develop character traits that serve them throughout life. As tuition costs continue to rise, perhaps the most valuable education we can provide is teaching students not just academic content, but how to persevere through inevitable challenges – a lesson worth every penny of that expensive degree.