Less than a third of parents surveyed (28%) said that they would be disappointed if their child did not pursue college after high school, according to a new report commissioned by American Student Assistance (ASA) and Jobs for the Future (JFF).
Julie Lammers
"Beyond Degrees" focuses on investigating people’s views and ideas of non-degree pathways, defined in this context as “non-degree-bearing education-to-career options,” such as apprenticeships, bootcamps, industry certifications, certificate programs, and occupation licenses. Though some of these pathways can ultimately add up to degrees, it is not a requirement for pathways to do so.
Compared to non-pathway young people, more of those who had chosen to pursue a nondegree pathway reported high confidence in their postsecondary plans; working part- or full-time; feeling prepared for the workforce; and feeling satisfied with their choice, according to the report.
ASA and JFF looked further as well, seeking out perspectives on non-degree pathways from the people who may have influence on the decision-making of high school students, namely their parents, teachers, and counselors.
“If the adults in their lives aren’t aware of such opportunities, how will young people learn about them?” the report asks. “If parents and educators are skeptical about nondegree choices, does that skepticism influence the opinions of the young people in their care? And, critically, who is ready and willing to encourage their own students or children to take the road less traveled?”
For this report, market research company Morning Consult surveyed more than 1,000 parents and 500 educators – teachers and guidance counselors – of high school students.
A slim majority of parents surveyed (51%) responded that they had heard some or a lot about nondegree pathways, teachers (42%) being their most cited source of information on the matter. Beliefs about lower costs, shorter completion times, relative ease of employment, and good pay potential were mentioned by parents as the key benefits of pathways.
