AFFORDABILITY, QUALITY, AND EQUITY - STATE INVESTMENTS IN HIGH QUALITY CREDENTIALS - THE NON-DEGREE CREDENTIAL QUALITY IMPERATIVE - JULY 2023

Oct 15, 2026

Affordability, Quality, and Equity examines how states invest in high-quality credentials when those credentials do not require a college degree. Written by National Skills Coalition authors, it frames non-degree credential quality assurance as essential for informed choices, stronger federal postsecondary accountability, and fairer outcomes. The report details how states develop quality frameworks, governance practices, stakeholder engagement, and policy applications, while expanding aid, strengthening provider lists, and advancing equity through data capacity and governance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages49

Reading Time2 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

The Importance of Quality Assurance for Non-Degree Credentials

Advancing a Quality Imperative for Non-Degree Credentials in States

State Progress on Quality Assurance for Non-Degree Credentials

Reflections on State Quality Assurance Efforts

Key Takeaways for State Action

Appendix

Endnotes

AFFORDABILITY, QUALITY, AND EQUITY: STATE INVESTMENTS IN HIGH QUALITY CREDENTIALS THE NON-DEGREE CREDENTIAL QUALITY IMPERATIVE JULY 2023 Lindsey Reichlin Cruse Jennifer Stiddard Roderick Taylor Jeannine LaPrad ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was written by Lindsey Reichlin Cruse, Jennifer Stiddard, Roderick Taylor, and Jeannine LaPrad of National Skills Coalition (NSC). The authors are grateful for the contribution of their NSC colleagues, including Yasmin Fallakhair, Senior State Network Manager, Nakeisha RicksPettyjohn, Senior Fellow, Workforce Development, and Nicky Lauricella Coolberth, Senior Editor. The authors are grateful for Michelle Van Noy, Director of the Education and Employment Research Center at the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University, and Rachel Vilsack, Director of State Partnerships at Credential Engine, for providing their expert review and feedback. NSC also thanks Education Strategy Group, which collaborated closely with NSC staff in the provision of expert technical assistance to states participating in the second cohort of the Quality Postsecondary Credential Policy Academy. Finally, NSC would like to appreciate the many state and college leaders and staff who contributed to their state’s quality assurance efforts and were integral to informing the development of this report. This report was made possible by the generous support of Lumina Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions contained within are those of National Skills Coalition and do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of these organizations. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................................3 THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR NON-DEGREE CREDENTIALS...........................................6 Facilitating Informed Decision Making ............................................................................................................................7 Responding to Gaps in Federal Postsecondary Accountability................................................................................ 9 ADVANCING A QUALITY IMPERATIVE FOR NON-DEGREE CREDENTIALS IN STATES...................................10 National Work to Advance Non-Degree Credential Quality, Transparency, and Equity .................................... 11 NSC’s Work with States to Define and Implement Non-Degree Credential Quality Assurance ..................... 12 STATE PROGRESS ON QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR NON-DEGREE CREDENTIALS.........................................15 Development and Adoption of State Quality Frameworks....................................................................................... 15 Establishment of Quality Assurance Governance Policies and Practices............................................................16 Engagement of Key Stakeholders in Quality Assurance Development................................................................ 17 Alignment of State Policy Goals with Quality Frameworks......................................................................................18 Development of Policy Applications for Quality Criteria.......................................................................................... 19 Expanding Financial Aid for Quality Non-Degree Credentials ......................................................................... 19 Ensuring the Quality of WIOA Eligible Training Providers Lists ..................................................................... 20 Supporting and Expanding Quality Non-Degree Credential Programs ......................................................... 21 Promoting and Assessing Equity ............................................................................................................................. 21 Enhancement of Data P

FAQs

What is the core focus of the report?

The report focuses on how states can invest in and ensure the quality of non-degree credentials to achieve affordability, quality, and equity.

How does the report describe the importance of quality assurance?

It links quality assurance to facilitating informed decision making and addressing gaps in federal postsecondary accountability for non-degree credentials.

What progress areas for states are covered?

It covers state development and adoption of quality frameworks, governance policies and practices, stakeholder engagement, policy applications, and equity-oriented actions supported by data capacity.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Riley West