That is correct, the Careers mod is required for a homeworld university. Perhaps
this FAQ will help?
The full list of NRaas mods that are specifically designed to enhance game performance would include Overwatch, ErrorTrap, Register, Traffic, Traveler (if any form of world travel is to be used), to an extent GoHere, and MasterController for its Reset Everything command to be run on the Town menu of City Hall every few sim weeks or so.
The other mods all extend gameplay or player control in various ways. They are all highly regarded and recommended. I use all but a very small number of them myself (frankly, Dresser scares me but that's just me). :)