As more jobs require new skills to keep up with technological change, more people turn to post-high school education to boost their career prospects. But the path forward is often unclear. The array of options is overwhelming: a single class, a certification, a certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor’s. College credits are earned in pursuit of some of these credentials—but not all. The credit-noncredit distinction is one of the most important factors in any credential program, but it’s often misunderstood.
The question of whether to pursue for-credit or noncredit credentials is particularly fraught for low-wage workers—who make up the vast majority of America’s untapped workforce. These workers often have little time or money to spend on education or training programs, but they can’t find good jobs without them.
A noncredit credential is often the most attractive option for low-wage workers because they tend to be more flexible and cost less than for-credit programs. Noncredit workforce training is rarely eligible for federal financial aid and therefore does not need to meet the same federal requirements. As a result, noncredit courses are typically shorter-term, with minimal admissions requirements and adaptable schedules.
But there’s a catch, with potentially significant consequences. It’s often difficult to transfer noncredit courses to credit-bearing programs. Many for-credit programs require students who already took noncredit courses—even earned noncredit credentials—to retake nearly identical classes to earn the credits needed for completion.
This poses a big barrier to continuing one’s education, as it requires more money and more time than most working adults can spare. It’s no wonder only a fraction of noncredit students ever go on to earn a for-credit credential.
However, many colleges now offer more pathways to workforce certificates and advanced credentials and degrees. Some are finding innovative ways to bridge the gap between noncredit and for-credit programs. They are using proactive planning, systemic restructuring, policy reforms, and cultural shifts to help more students succeed.