Who is benefiting most from micro-credentials at your college or university?
Are these increasingly popular programs bringing new students to your campus and sparking interest in emerging career fields?
The questions abound but one thing is clear in higher ed today: A growing emphasis on upskilling and career preparation is igniting a renewed focus on micro-credentials and attracting a new wave of students to campus.
In its latest ThoughtExchange survey, University Business invites campus leaders to share their experiences ahead of the 2025-26 school year. The results will be posted on the website.
Please take the micro-credential survey.
Micro-credentials are making news
Appetite for industry-aligned micro-credentials—among learners entering the workforce and employers seeking skilled candidates—is nearly universal, according to a new report from Coursera.
The online academic program provider surveyed over 1,000 employers and learners, capturing perspectives across six regions and 10 countries.
Globally, more than 90% of employers say that their employees with micro-credentials demonstrate higher proficiency in industry-relevant skills than those without and that the credentials are immediately applicable to job roles.
One in three U.S. students surveyed have already earned a micro-credential, which may come as no surprise, as 80% believe earning one will help them succeed on the job.
A Manhattan Institute report examines how states are investing in short-term programs that now appeal to high school students and non-enrolled adults ages 18 to 30.
According to the report, states have invested at least $5.59 billion in micro-credentials through student aid, institutional support and workforce-aligned programs. These investments help colleges and universities develop new credential pathways, making higher education more accessible to students and more responsive to workforce demands.
Some states are launching targeted programs to expand access to micro-credentials, ensuring they align with evolving workforce demands and higher education initiatives.
Louisiana’s M.J. Foster Promise Program provides adult learners with up to $6,400 per year to pursue workforce training at Louisiana’s Community and Technical Colleges, Louisiana State University-Eunice and Southern University-Shreveport. The program has enrolled more than 1,200 students—with 81% women, about 50% African American and 60% from low-income households, the report states.
In Colorado, House Bill 24-1340 offers a refundable state tax credit for low-income high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education, including micro-credential programs at technical colleges, community colleges and four-year institutions. These initiatives help bridge financial gaps and expand career-focused learning opportunities.
Take the micro-credential survey.
