It’s hard to imagine a future for college that isn’t touched by the ongoing digital revolution. But the disruption coming to higher education may not be what we expect. On-line courses may well transform how universities deliver knowledge, but economists say digital learning isn’t likely to replace universities entirely. In a world where technology is upending jobs and industries at an ever-faster pace, graduates may need to retrain and learn new skills long after they’ve received their diplomas. This could mean colleges may become more necessary than ever, but only if they rethink the time spent there as a single stage of life. That’s why institutions like Georgia Tech are betting on a future where schools welcome back students throughout their careers, helping them stay competitive in a job market that’s transforming faster all the time.