The article presents the issues related to the knowledge and educational capital of young people who, despite quality education and skills, often face difficulties in entering the labor market. The article reveals the essence and types of knowledge, distinguishes between information, knowledge and wisdom. A scheme of the educational development trajectory is proposed, taking into account the dual model of learning. The results of an empirical study conducted among students are presented, in the focus of which the process of creating educational capital is positioned. The authors have developed a methodological approach to the program for increasing the intellectual potential of students, built as an integral system of conceptual-target, content and analytical-effective components, aimed at personal transformation and new educational results, the content of which is determined by the supply of goals, meanings, values, priorities, way of thinking of the modern student.