Certificates are driving higher education’s growth. The number of learners earning a certificate for the first time grew by 13% during the 2023-24 academic year, while the share of certificate earners with a previous award was up 8%, according to new data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
In contrast, fewer students earned bachelor’s or associate degrees—a third consecutive year of declines. Fewer students earned an associate degree this year than in any of the last 10 years, and bachelor’s degree earners declined to their lowest level since 2015-16.
“This report provides yet more evidence that today’s students want shorter-term, lower-cost credentials that lead to faster employment opportunities,” said Doug Shapiro, the center’s executive director.
Another trend to watch is the growing number of younger students who are earning certificates. The increase in certificate completion among Americans who were 24 or younger spiked by almost 17%, the center found, outpacing other groups. Perhaps more noteworthy, this group for the first time earned more certificates than did older learners.