Report Reveals Declining Reading Skills Among College Students

A recent report indicates that many college professors are facing students who struggle with basic reading and writing skills. According to Fortune magazine, an increasing number of Gen Z students entering universities have difficulty with effective reading, leading professors to break down even straightforward sentences.

This trend is alarming and should catch the attention of parents, employers, and decision-makers alike. It’s not merely an academic issue; it reflects a deeper cultural crisis.

The foundational goal of education is to cultivate critical thinking and meaningful communication. These skills are not just optional; they’re crucial for success in both careers and society.

University leaders can’t just identify issues; they also need to acknowledge how higher education has, in some respects, lowered expectations and prioritized student comfort over genuine ability. For years, institutions have focused on satisfaction rates and graduation statistics while quietly compromising the intellectual framework needed for meaningful education.

When students fail to learn how to read deeply, they also lose the capacity to think profoundly.

The impact of reading extends beyond academic success. It affects attention spans, fosters empathy, builds discipline, and broadens creativity—traits essential for effective leadership and community building. As students become accustomed to skimming headlines or relying on AI for summaries, they don’t just lose literacy; they forfeit important habits that contribute to wisdom and maturity.

Employers are noticing this trend as well. A study highlighted in the same Fortune article shows that many Gen Z graduates feel unprepared for the workforce. They point to communication challenges, a lack of real-world experience, and anxiety about job expectations as significant hurdles. The disconnect between what universities provide and what industries require is growing.

This situation should concern us, but it’s not because young people are incapable. Quite the opposite; they are intelligent and brimming with potential. However, a lack of proper guidance can lead to confusion and a sense of being overwhelmed.

So, what went wrong in higher education?

Part of the issue lies in cultural habits. Nearly half of American adults didn’t read a single book last year, and Gen Z reads less than any previous generation. However, there’s also a systemic aspect; in the pursuit of equity and flexibility, many universities are quietly lowering their standards, reducing reading requirements, and simplifying their curricula to avoid making students uncomfortable.

This may appear compassionate, yet it can come off as patronizing.

It’s essential for universities to spearhead a revival of a rigorous learning culture. This starts with reinstating the value of deep reading, critical thought, and intellectual stamina. These are not dated ideals; they are fundamental for developing responsible leaders.

At Southeastern, our aim is to nurture students who read attentively, think deeply, and lead with integrity. They engage with ideas collaboratively and seek truth through both reason and faith. This isn’t elitism; it’s about fostering genuine leaders and preparing them for the future.

We believe that elevating standards—rather than lowering them—will enhance student performance. Our classrooms emphasize biblical wisdom, academic rigor, and a holistic educational experience that nurtures the intellect, spirit, and profession of each student.

This is the kind of education that students thirst for, even if they aren’t fully aware of it yet. It’s also the kind of leadership that American higher education desperately needs now.

There’s no reason to accept a generation with poor reading skills. What’s necessary is to create institutions that demand more, educate more, and prepare students to lead—not just in their careers but also in their personal lives.

If we fail to cultivate students with reading comprehension, we risk not raising informed citizens who value freedom, advocates for justice, and individuals who communicate truth across all facets of society.

The implications are far too significant to ignore.