Why Degree Length Doesn’t Matter
Americans want high-paying jobs, and sooner rather than later.
That’s why record numbers of people are pursuing degrees that take less time than a traditional four-year college program, says Mark Schneider, president of research firm, CollegeMeasures.
Data from several states shows the salaries of recent college graduates can lag the pay short-term degree holders earn – even five years after graduation, Schneider says.
But the short-cut route is by no means the surest path to a lucrative career.
“Many holders of associate degrees [typically awarded after a two year program at a community college] or certificates [awarded after programs lasting several months to a couple of years] in tech field or heavy industry five years out earn more than the median salary for all college degreed workers five years out,” Schneider says.
For instance, someone with an associate electrical engineering degree may be earning more than a French major with a four-year diploma, Schneider explains. “But the lifetime earnings of someone with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering will outstrip the earnings of the worker with the electrical engineering associate degree.”
Moreover, a significant number of short-term degrees don’t even lead to a job. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that only 44 percent of certificate holders work in their field of training.
Before jumping on a short-term path, make sure that the school offering the course is accredited, says Schnieder.
Then, see if the specific course is accredited by a professional association in the field – a course related to radiology accredited by a radiologic association, for instance. Finally, call your state employment or labor department to ask about employment potential in your region, says Schneider.