Demystifying College in a Time of Change

Jeff is a sought-after speaker who has appeared around the world at hundreds of organizations—in front of 1,000+ people at conferences to parent associations at high schools to Fortune 500 companies. If you're looking for a keynoter, a moderator or panelist, or a session tailored to your needs, Jeff brings compelling stories, sharp insights, and practical takeaways to every stage.

Where Jeff has appeared
  • Microsoft logo
  • The World Bank logo
  • Milken Institute logo
  • University of Michigan logo
  • Harvard Westlake School logo
  • Salesforce logo
  • Deloitte logo
  • Common ground logo
  • Family action network logo
  • Fairfax county public schools logo
  • South by South West Education logo

Watch Jeff in Action

From keynotes to school conversations, a look at how Jeff helps families and higher ed leaders navigate what’s next.

The New Learning Economy 

In a keynote in front of an audience of more than a 1,000 higher education and business leaders at the Salesforce Education Summit in Chicago, Jeff outlines the concept of the emerging “new learning economy.” 

Who Gets In and Why: Priorities

In a fireside chat hosted by the Family Action Network in Chicago, Jeff is interviewed by the University of Illinois admissions dean about how a college’s priorities drive decisions.  

The Incrementalism of Change

In a keynote at a World Bank/International Finance Corporation conference in Mexico City, Jeff talks about the need for institutions to change in order to meet the growing demand for higher education worldwide. 

Who Gets In and Why: Early Admissions

In a fireside chat at the Marlborough School in Los Angeles, Jeff is interviewed by the Pomona College admissions dean about the rise of early admissions. 

Higher Education Under Criticism

Jeff is often asked to conduct one-on-one interviews with newsmakers. Here Jeff interviews activist investor and higher ed critic, Bill Ackman, on the stage at the Milken Global Institute. 

Engaging Today’s Students

Moderating panels is about asking questions, but it’s also about synthesizing information, storytelling, and getting at the heart of conflict. Here is Jeff moderating a panel of university presidents at the Milken Global Institute in Los Angeles. 

Student Experience

In a keynote at AWS Imagine in Seattle, Jeff talks about the need to improve the overall student experience. 

Future of Work

In a keynote at AWS Imagine in Seattle, Jeff talks about how colleges might help students navigate a future job market. 

Current Issues in Higher Education

An example of a "fireside chat” at a conference, with Jeff in conversation with Michael Hofherr at AWS Imagine.

The Audience Q&A

Excerpt from audience questions following a Jeff Selingo keynote about the future of education and work. 

Speech topics

Ready to schedule your speaking event?

Whether you represent a high school association of parents and want to tap his expertise in getting behind the admissions process or you’re from a college or corporation and want to explore how the future of work will impact education and the war for talent, Jeff harnesses a bank of knowledge from his years monitoring, reporting, and digging deep within the higher ed industry.

Jeff offers both in-person and virtual options, and sample speaking topics are included below.

David Muir and Jeff Selingo
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Dream School: Redefining College Fit

Based on his book Dream School, Jeff explores how students can define—and find—their ideal college experience, rooted in growth, belonging, and opportunity, not prestige or rankings.

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The State of Higher Education and the Decade Ahead

Jeff provides a big-picture view of the forces reshaping higher ed—demographics, funding, politics, and innovation—offering insight for leaders and policymakers navigating a system under pressure and in transition.

Chart Pie

Who Gets In and Why: An Inside Look at College Admissions

Jeff takes audiences inside three admissions offices and behind the scenes of college admissions to explain how decisions are made—and how families can redefine what makes a college “good.”

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The Future of Work: Building a Culture of Continual Learning

Jeff explores how shifting job demands require lifelong learning and how education systems, employers, and individuals must adapt to stream learning like we do music, movies, and media today.

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The War for Talent: Hiring and Building an Adaptive Workforce

Jeff shares insights from inside hiring at top companies, explaining how today’s job market prioritizes skills over degrees—and how employers must evolve to recruit and retain adaptable, mission-driven talent.

Testimonials

Jeff’s keynote at [our user conference] Rising brought a fresh, thought-provoking lens to the future of education and work. He made complex trends relatable and actionable for our audience, striking the right balance between storytelling and insight.

Michael Hofherr

Senior Vice President, Workday

Jeff led an incredibly thoughtful discussion with a small group of higher education leaders we gathered in New York. His ability to listen, adapt, and guide the group toward new ideas made the session truly impactful.

Jason Belland

Vice President, Alteryx SparkED

Jeff brought clarity to complexity. His presentation to our Board of Trustees cut through the noise with clear insights and a forward-looking vision.

Neeli Bendapudi

President, Penn State University

Jeff’s clear and direct approach and his ability to contextualize stories earned rave reviews from our families.

Bill Plunkett

Director of School Counseling, Staples High School

Smart, calming, and full of practical advice, Jeff brought insight into a process that, for most of us, is confusing at best. One parent told me it was the best presentation he had ever attended.

Mariandl Hufford

Head of School, Miami Country Day School

Jeff was terrific; great presentation, great interaction with the audience, great feedback from attendees, easy to work with, etc., etc.

Renée Rockford

Assistant Head of School, Colorado Academy

From the moment Jeff began speaking, his knowledge of higher education and college admissions was evident. Jeff effortlessly conveyed complex information in a clear and accessible manner and made it relatable to the counselors who attended the event.

Jin Chow

Cofounder at Polygence 

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Dream School

Finding the college that’s right for you

Dream School is a must-have playbook for families coping with a more stressful era of college admission that gives them a roadmap for finding a good college where their teen can thrive, learn, and become the person they’re meant to be.

dream school book cover