Job credentials are on the rise. Here's what it means for students and higher ed / Opinion - Candice McQueen, Tennessean

Higher education is at a turning point. Driven by shifting student needs, evolving workforce demands and rapid technological change, the traditional four-year degree is no longer the only path to success. As Education Trust notes, “There is a growing interest in short-term credentials, which offer alternatives to traditional four-year degrees and are gaining support across the political spectrum.”These alternatives — certificates, micro-credentials and other focused programs — are becoming attractive options for students, employers and policymakers alike, offering pathways to employment without the weight of crippling debt.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2025/09/04/higher-education-job-readiness-credentials-certifications/85956674007/