National Higher Education Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Awareness Career Educational
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every June 6
Holiday emoji:: 🎓

National Higher Education Day arrives every June 6, recognizing the profound impact of education on personal and professional growth. This day encourages individuals of all ages to explore academic opportunities, research scholarships, and consider career pathways. Take time to plan your next educational step, whether it’s a degree, certification, or skill-building course.

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Expected National Higher Education Day Deals

As a Cause holiday, National Higher Education Day focuses less on commercial deals and more on awareness and access. Educational institutions often waive application fees or offer informational sessions. Non-profits like ScholarMatch and The College Board may highlight scholarship opportunities and financial aid resources. Online learning platforms such as Coursera and edX might feature discounted courses or free trials to promote skill development. Look for universities to host virtual open houses and career fairs. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities as June 6 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Higher Education Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HigherEdDay. Share your educational journey or advice for prospective students.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HigherEdDay. Host a live Q&A with an admissions counselor or alumni.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #HigherEdDay. Share inspiring quotes about learning or statistics on higher education’s impact.

National Higher Education Day Hero

Horace Mann

Horace Mann (1796–1859) was an American educational reformer and Whig politician, best known for his advocacy of public education. As Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, he championed universal public education and teacher training, significantly influencing the development of higher education standards and accessibility in the United States.

History of National Higher Education Day

National Higher Education Day was founded by Izamar Olaguez and Marcie Hronis in 2015. The main purpose behind celebrating this day is to motivate students to pursue higher education and make college fees affordable for all. Each year, hundreds of students and universities unite to spread awareness about National Higher Education Day in the U.S.

The federal government signed the Higher Education Act in 1965. The main purpose of signing this act was to improve the higher education programs of educational institutions in the U.S. and offer monetary assistance to students who are unable to afford their college fees.

The Higher Education Act was backed by both the federal and national level governments. Individual states also developed a similar program to support students who want to enroll in colleges and universities for higher educational attainment. Making higher education accessible is the primary goal of National Higher Education Day. This includes motivating and funding students to get enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree program.

National Higher Education Day also initiates various activities, which are continued all year round. It helps students get useful information on how to get scholarships and prepare themselves both mentally and financially for pursuing a higher education degree in the U.S.

National Higher Education Day timeline

1850

America's Educational Boom

More than 200 higher education institutions are established in the U.S.

1862

The Morrill Act of 1862

New western states create colleges for agricultural, mechanical, and military sciences.

1900

Association of American Universities

Presidents of Ph.D.-granting universities unite to develop policies for higher education

1918

American universities and WWI

American universities create special training courses for military personnel in WWI.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Higher Education Day

Local businesses can support National Higher Education Day by offering mentorship programs or internships to college students. Companies might host ‘lunch and learn’ sessions featuring employees who share their higher education experiences and career paths. Consider providing small scholarships or sponsoring local educational events. Retailers could offer discounts to students with valid IDs, encouraging them to invest in their future learning.

National Higher Education Day FAQs

When is National Higher Education Day?

In 2027, National Higher Education Day is observed on Sunday, June 6. This annual observance consistently highlights the importance of pursuing academic and professional development.

How many Americans have a college degree?

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in 2023, nearly 40% of Americans aged 25 and older had attained a bachelor’s degree or more. This statistic underscores the increasing value placed on higher education for career opportunities and economic mobility.

What is the average cost of higher education?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, average tuition and fees are projected to be around $12,000 for in-state public institutions and over $43,000 for private universities. Financial aid and scholarships remain crucial for managing these costs.

Is higher education worth the investment?

While the cost of higher education is substantial, the long-term benefits in terms of career advancement, earning potential, and personal development typically make it a worthwhile investment. Many resources exist to help mitigate the financial burden.

How to Celebrate National Higher Education Day

Raise awareness for higher education
Celebrate National Higher Education Day by posting about the benefits of higher education online and on various social media sites with the hashtag #NationalHigherEducationDay. Moreover, you can also post interesting pictures related to your education and your upcoming academic goals. You can share how your school, college, or university has groomed you in both your personal and academic life.
Opt for educational counseling
If you are still unsure about your future studies then now is the perfect time to discuss this with a trained professional. Through a professional counselor, you can get the right type of assistance to develop your educational plan and pick the right type of college and courses based on your interests, skills, and abilities.
Become part of an online community
You can join an online community on Facebook or any other social networking site that you frequently use. You can interact with other fellow students who are a part of a similar undergraduate or postgraduate degree program. Through these communities, students get to share free educational resources and help each other get paid and unpaid internships that are specifically offered to college and university students.

5 Facts About American Colleges That Are Worth Knowing

A quirky college club
There's a Squirrel Club at the University of Michigan with more than 400 active members that come together annually to feed squirrels.
Doctor of Amphibious Letters
Kermit the frog was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southampton College.
World's biggest library
Harvard boasts the world's biggest library with over 15.8 million items of reading material.
Girl power
There are more than 60 female colleges in the U.S.
5,000+ colleges
There are around 5,000 higher education institutions in the U.S.

Why we love National Higher Education Day

Employees can excel in their current fields
This day inspires those working professionals who want to advance in their respective fields. Getting a postgraduate degree can help professionals get familiar with the latest market trends that are in sync with their current fields. Higher education also helps people learn interpersonal skills that can turn them into valuable assets for their future organizations.
It gives tips for finding college scholarships
Pursuing a higher education degree requires a financial commitment. Higher education can be rewarding for those who want to switch to a new field or excel in their existing field of study. However, most students don't consider going to a college or university after school due to a lack of financial support. The good news is that there are different scholarship programs for students that are funded by the government and private organizations. Some of these private organizations are directly affiliated with different colleges and universities of the country. Students can either directly reach out to these organizations or apply for a scholarship program through their college or university.
It appreciates the efforts of college students
This day is also celebrated to appreciate the efforts of students who are already receiving a higher education. Education after school is not free in the U.S. Students are required to pay their tuition fee alongside other college expenses including conveyance and many end up accumulating large amounts of student-loan debt. To pay for these expenses, many students have to do part-time jobs, which again can be quite challenging to manage alongside their studies. This day, therefore, is a great way to appreciate the efforts of these hardworking students and motivate them to complete their higher education.