Shaping the Future of Learning: Policy, Higher Education, and AI – Seth Zimmerman

On September 23, 2025, the SOM & Society Professional Alumni Group kicked off their webinar series by welcoming Professor Seth Zimmerman to share insights from his current research and explore the future of education policy in a shifting political landscape.

Professor Zimmerman studies labor economics and public finance, with a focus on the economics of education. His research examines the social, economic, and policy factors that determine educational attainment and the return on investment in education. His work aims to better understand how education systems contribute to upward mobility, income inequality, and growth.

Improving School Choice in New Haven

Prof. Zimmerman opened discussion by sharing insights from his long-standing collaboration with New Haven Public Schools. At the time, the city ran a complex school choice program, but its structure placed a significant burden on families, who had to navigate complex decisions to find the school that best fit their needs. Families often faced a high-stakes trade-off: if they did not secure their first-choice school, other options may have already filled. This made strategic decision-making essential, factoring not only personal preferences but also the likelihood of acceptance.

Working closely with the district, Prof. Zimmerman and his colleagues surveyed families to understand their experiences and decision-making processes. They found that mistakes were common and recommended changes to improve the system. Following their work, the district adopted a new approach in 2019 and implemented new digital tools – covering both charter and public schools – to help families navigate the school choice process.

Prof. Zimmerman shared two key lessons from this research. First, it is crucial for policymakers to carefully design systems to avoid unintentionally placing undue burdens on students and families, considering the process from the “consumer” perspective. Second, collaboration between researchers and policymakers takes time – deploying evidence-based solutions effectively requires patience and coordination.

The Value of Higher Education

Prof. Zimmerman then shifted to a broader discussion of higher education, asking fundamental questions about its value and identity today. He emphasized that higher education continues to serve as a critical engine for social mobility and economic growth. While college may not be the optimal path for everyone – some individuals excel in skilled trades – it offers substantial average benefits, including increased earnings. Remarkably, the net cost of college has declined for many students in recent decades due to financial aid, even as sticker prices have risen.

At the same time, the return on investment in attending college has grown. Thought experiments and rigorous research show that college education significantly increases earnings on average. However, risks have also risen, particularly as students assume more of the cost through debt. Graduating into challenging economic conditions can exacerbate these risks, highlighting the importance of policies like income-driven repayment and student loan forgiveness to mitigate potential downsides.

AI and the Future of Higher Ed

Finally, Prof. Zimmerman addressed the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of education and work. He outlined a scenario in which AI complements human decision-making, enhancing the value of skills such as critical thinking, synthesis and collaboration. In this scenario, MBA programs like the one at the Yale School of Management remain highly valuable, as they cultivate the ability to integrate diverse perspectives, analyse complex information and collaborate effectively – skills that AI cannot replicate.

Overall, Prof. Zimmerman highlighted that the enduring value of higher education lies in bringing people together to learn from one another, develop decision-making skills and engage with ideas in a collaborative environment – a role that is likely to become even more important in an AI-driven future.

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SOM & Society:

SOM & Society brings together alumni who are working or are invested in advancing social impact and innovation to develop their networks, careers, and knowledge.

To learn more about the Professional Alumni Group SOM & Society, please visit: or reach out to SOM & Society chair Sooah Rho.