Degree and Nondegree Credentials in the Labor Force

By Jael Greene

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), when nondegree credentials[i] are considered in addition to postsecondary degrees, over half of the labor force (those who are working or searching for work) had a credential beyond a high school diploma in 2016. A recent NCES brief unpacks this data further to look at degree and nondegree credentials held by labor force participants.

Among the findings:

• When using degreed credentials as the only criteria for credentials beyond a high school diploma, 45% of adults participating in the labor force in 2016 held a postsecondary degree, while 55% did not have any type of postsecondary degree.
• When nondegree credentials were also considered, data indicated that 58% of adults participating in the labor force held a credential beyond high school completion (either degree or nondegree).
• Of that 58% of credentialed adults in the labor force:
  • 18% held a postsecondary degree and at least one nondegree credential.
  • 27% held a postsecondary degree and no nondegree credential.
  • 13% did not hold a postsecondary degree but held at least one nondegree credential.
    • Of the 13% of adults who held only a nondegree credential, 56% had a license, 43% held a postsecondary certificate, and 21% held a certification.

[i] Nondegree credentials are defined as sub-baccalaureate educational certificates and work credentials of certifications and licenses (such as a cosmetology license, medical license, etc.). These types of nondegree credentials certify that the holder has the knowledge and skills to perform a specific job or occupation. Certifications are issued by credentialing bodies, while licenses are distributed by government agencies.