With the growing momentum for educational pathways beyond traditional college degrees and the landscape of innovative programs and providers more dynamic than ever, scaling these opportunities will require supportive policy and funding.

In Non-Degree Pathways: A DC Insider’s Perspective, ASA and JFF partnered with Morning Consult to survey a select but diverse group of policy influencers working in Washington, DC on their perceptions of, support for, and willingness to federally fund expanded educational pathways. The report shows broad support for a robust postsecondary ecosystem and makes specific policy recommendations. 

Key findings of the report include: 

• There is bipartisan support for expanding non-degree paths. A vast majority of DC Insiders agree that non-degree pathways can diversify options for students (93%) and provide skills to meet employer needs (89%).
• Policy insiders want to see action. Eighty-nine percent of DC Insiders want legislative support for the expansion of non-degree pathways to increase in the next five years and 78% want to see a boost in federal funding for these pathways.
• There is widespread agreement on hiring for skills over degrees. Ninety-six percent of Republicans and 81% of Democrats agree that employers should hire based on skills over degrees. 

To ensure that all Americans have equitable opportunities to economic mobility, good-paying jobs, and financial stability, lawmakers must craft and adopt policies that champion postsecondary pathways as diverse as the workers who make up our workforce. The report highlights policy recommendations and opportunities to make a robust postsecondary ecosystem a reality. 

Download the report to get the full findings and recommendations.