Social and emotional learning (SEL) significantly impacts various stages of student life, varying from academic achievement to different career paths. Educational technology augments the teaching and learning process through digital resources. There has been a transition toward social and emotional learning (SEL) in higher education through tech-based experiential learning interventions. To adapt to the changing trends, there is a need for a competency-based measure of learning using experiential methods to assess the learning outcomes in higher education. This research aims to explore the potential role of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the field of SEL as a part of an experiential learning-centric approach through a comprehensive review. AR and VR have been used extensively for languages and experimental school-level studies. However, there is a dearth of studies on the use of AR and VR in social and emotional learning at higher educational institutions. This work aims to analyze the significance of AR and VR in higher educational institutions for promoting social and emotional learning. The study’s findings indicate that AR and VR usage has improved students’ capability to connect with historical events and relate to ethical issues concerning business decisions, critical thinking, and participation in collaborative arrangements. Individuals can adapt to rapidly changing environment cultures and demonstrate readiness to work with diverse populations and uncertain environments.