Short-Term Credentials in Postsecondary Education: Dynamics, Returns, and Funding

The number of nondegree credentials, including short-term certificates and noncredit programs, have risen in recent years. Many of these overlap with workforce training programs, a trend that has led to questions about the public and private returns of such credentials, the role of public financing, and the availability of relevant data to study outcomes for those who pursue nondegree credentials. The conference will give researchers, policymakers, and industry experts a chance to explore these topics and more.

Discussions will include the connection between higher education and the workforce, as well as some factors that have led to the growth of short-term certificates and other nondegree credentials. In addition, our experts will explore enrollment patterns and returns on different types of credentials, including length and field of study, type of provider, and student background. Sources of funding and measures of accountability for these emergent programs will also be under review, as well as the data we have and the data we may still need to answer these questions.

Location

This is a hybrid event. You are able to select whether you will attend in-person or virtually when you register. Guests joining in person will have an opportunity to network beginning with a kickoff luncheon on Thursday, September 15, at 11:30 a.m., as well as a reception on Thursday evening.

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