How Microcredentials Are Revolutionizing the Higher-Education Business Model. Issue Brief

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How Microcredentials Are Revolutionizing the Higher-Education Business Model. Issue Brief
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
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