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Introduction

Military veterans are far more likely than non-veterans to hold non-degree credentials, including certificates and certifications. That means veterans are particularly harmed by the current lack of recognition, transparency, and interoperability of non-degree credentials. In addition, veterans are especially likely to have education and training experiences outside traditional education institutions.

A few key principles guide our recommendations around supporting veterans who lack degrees—and frankly, all adults without degrees:

  1. All learning counts, and all skills should be recognized.
  2. Competencies should be transparent and transferable.
  3. Credentials should be portable and stackable.
  4. Some military training should be credentialed while in service.

Overview

The United States military is the largest provider of education and training in the country. Yet, for the veteran population (21 million)—especially the 4 million veterans who served since 2001 and are still early in their careers—there’s often a disconnect between what they learn in service and the credit they receive in the civilian world. This study focuses on the education and work experiences of veterans who hold certificates or certifications but not college degrees.

All service members complete multiple training courses as part of their service, some leading to non-degree credentials. Efforts to make this transfer more seamless and to ensure that all learning counts are essential to honoring and supporting veterans as they move into the civilian workforce.

Based on the responses of more than 30,000 veterans, key findings of this study include:

  • Veterans disproportionately hold certificates or certifications. Among adults without degrees, veterans are far more likely than non-veterans to have a certificate or certification.
  • Certificates and certifications boost employability and earnings for veterans without degrees. Veterans with certificates and certifications are more likely to be working than those without any credential.
  • Veterans without degrees see less need for additional education than do non-veterans who lack degrees.

Related:
Study: Veterans More Likely to Hold Non-Degree Credentials | Diverse Issues in Higher Ed | Nov. 26, 2019