Attitudinal Trends in Alternative Postsecondary Learning

Abstract

Traditional postsecondary learning in the United States is associated with increased earnings and employment, but these benefits come at substantial cost. Nontraditional education provides a partial workaround with a variety of caveats including nonconformity stigma. This paper explores a novel data set (n = 1190) to understand trends in public disposition on alternative credentials. Results indicate that favorability is high, declining in the short term, and may reverse trend over time. Leveraging alternative pathways to reduce cost and accelerate completion of accredited education is a recommended strategy. Some policy considerations are discussed.

Keywords: education economics, alternative education, debt crisis, signaling

JEL Classification: D12, I21, I22, I24, I25, I26