The paper first examines the context that has given student engagement a very strong profile in higher education. It identifies neo-liberalism as the driving force in the present higher education context and argues that student engagement enjoys an elective affinity with it. While neo-liberalism is dominant, student engagement will be strong. But attitudes to student engagement will vary. It examines possible futures for student engagement by discussing how three different scenarios could affect the student engagement enterprise in neo-liberal times. The paper identifies conforming, reforming and reframing scenarios; discourses that fit comfortably with neo-liberal ideas and practice, soften them or challenge them in pursuit of greater social justice.