How Microcredentials Are Revolutionizing the Higher-Education Business Model. Issue Brief
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| Title: | How Microcredentials Are Revolutionizing the Higher-Education Business Model. Issue Brief |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kristin D. Hultquist, Stephanie M. Murphy, Manhattan Institute (MI) |
| Source: | Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. 2025. |
| Availability: | Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Tel: 212-599-7000; Fax: 212-599-3494; Web site: http://www.manhattan-institute.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Microcredentials, Public Colleges, Labor Force Development, Education Work Relationship, Business, Models, Trustees, State Policy, Educational Quality |
| Geographic Terms: | Louisiana, Colorado |
| Abstract: | Microcredentials (shorter-term credentials) are integrating into traditional degree pathways, and trustees of public colleges and universities should examine the role of these credentials in the baccalaureate programs of their institutions. Shorter-term credentials can provide substantial benefits for public four-year institutions, including improved return on investment on baccalaureate degrees, better alignment of skills with market demands, increased transparency, and greater responsiveness to labor-market changes. These benefits are most likely to be realized when a validated market analysis is conducted, clearly identifying the competencies needed from today's students. This issue brief discusses: (1) disruptions to the higher-education business model; (2) why microcredentials are for four-year institutions, too; (3) state examples of microcredential programs that offer incentives for college students; (4) how states promote economic opportunity through microcredentials; (5) how states can protect the quality of microcredentials; and (6) how trustees can integrate microcredentials. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | ED676208 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Microcredentials (shorter-term credentials) are integrating into traditional degree pathways, and trustees of public colleges and universities should examine the role of these credentials in the baccalaureate programs of their institutions. Shorter-term credentials can provide substantial benefits for public four-year institutions, including improved return on investment on baccalaureate degrees, better alignment of skills with market demands, increased transparency, and greater responsiveness to labor-market changes. These benefits are most likely to be realized when a validated market analysis is conducted, clearly identifying the competencies needed from today's students. This issue brief discusses: (1) disruptions to the higher-education business model; (2) why microcredentials are for four-year institutions, too; (3) state examples of microcredential programs that offer incentives for college students; (4) how states promote economic opportunity through microcredentials; (5) how states can protect the quality of microcredentials; and (6) how trustees can integrate microcredentials. |
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