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Certificate Earners Reach a 10-Year High, Driven by Younger Learners
Certificates Gain Momentum as Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Earners Decline, According to the Latest Undergraduate Degree Earners Report
The latest Undergraduate Degree Earners report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reveals the growing prominence of learners earning undergraduate certificates.
The number of students earning an undergraduate certificate increased by 11.2%, driving the overall growth in undergraduate credential completions. However, the number of students earning an associate or bachelor’s degree decreased from the previous year by 0.9% and 1.3%, respectively.
Over 3.2 million students earned an undergraduate credential in the 2023-24 academic year, up slightly by 0.6% (+20,500) from the previous year. Of these completers, nearly 59% earned a bachelor’s degree as their highest award, 25% earned an associate degree, and 16% earned an undergraduate certificate.
“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, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “It is certificate programs, not associate or bachelor’s degrees, that are drawing students into colleges today.”
While the number of certificate completers increased across all age groups, the most significant gains came from younger learners. Certificate earners aged 24 and under grew by 16.6%, including a 17.8% rise (+19,400) among 18- to 20-year-olds and a 27.2% jump (+7,100) among those under 18 — likely dual-enrolled high school students.
Placing this in a longer-term context reveals a clear pattern. Over the past decade (since 2014-15), the proportion of first-time undergraduate completers earning a certificate has grown significantly. Ten years ago, about 1 in 9 first-time completers (11.3%) earned a certificate; in 2023-24, that figure rose to approximately 1 in 7 (15.4%). During the same period, the share of first-time completers earning an associate degree declined from 30% to 26.5%. The share earning a bachelor’s degree has remained relatively stable, consistently hovering around 60%.
The findings from the latest Undergraduate Degree Earners report underscore the growing importance of certificates in the postsecondary credentialing ecosystem. As learners increasingly turn to these focused credentials, often as a first step or a way to upskill, it signals a potential shift in educational pathways and workforce preparation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for institutions seeking to meet evolving student needs and employers seeking qualified talent.
Explore the full Undergraduate Degree Earners report for deeper insights, including interactive dashboard figures and breakdowns by demographics, major fields, and states.
“This report provides yet more evidence that today’s students want shorter-term, lower-cost credentials that lead to faster employment opportunities. It is certificate programs, not associate or bachelor’s degrees, that are drawing students into colleges today.”
Doug Shapiro
Executive Director, National Student Clearinghouse Research Center
