Most Students Pay Out-of-Pocket For Non-Degree Credentials

"The report, released Thursday, analyzed 2022 data from a new national survey of over 15,000 American adults fielded by the U.S. Census Bureau, called the National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey. The data included individualswho attained vocational certificates at a higher ed institution, such as a community college or trade school, as well as active industry licenses or personal certifications, like a teaching license."

"Interest in non-degree credentialprograms has exploded in recent years, the data showed. The rate at which Americans earned non-degree credentials tripled between 2009 and 2021. The annual vocational certificate attainment rate jumped from about 0.4 percent of U.S. adults to about 1.2 percent over that period, while the professional license attainment rate rose from about 0.5 percent to around 1.6 percent. More than a third (34 percent) of adults surveyed held a non-degree credential."

"But even though non-degree credentials are "skyrocketing" across the country, "we know very little about how students pay for these programs," said Ama Takyi-Laryea, a senior manager of Pew's student loan initiative. The new data offers some answers. Most non-degree credential earners reported using their own money to pay for programs-51 percent of vocational certificate holders and 71 percent of professional license holders. Roughly a fifth of both groups said they took out government or private loans."

A 2022 national survey of over 15,000 adults measured non-degree credential attainment and financing. Non-degree credential attainment tripled between 2009 and 2021, with vocational certificate rates rising from about 0.4% to 1.2% annually and professional license rates rising from about 0.5% to 1.6%. Thirty-four percent of adults held a non-degree credential. Bachelor’s and associate enrollments declined between spring 2020 and spring 2025 by 1.1% and 7.8% respectively. Slightly more than half of credential holders also earned degrees. Most credential earners paid out of pocket—51% of vocational certificate holders and 71% of professional license holders—while roughly one-fifth used government or private loans.

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