Higher Learning Commission

HLC surveyed our member institutions in May 2023 about their current alternative credential programs and needs related to those offerings. We are considering the development of a new member benefit, a Credential Lab service, to provide programming and resources supporting member efforts in this area. 

For the purposes of this survey and the Credential Lab, alternative credentials include short-term, non-degree certificates, industry certifications, digital badges, and micro-credentials. 

Survey Takeaways

• Strong current offerings: 73% of the respondents indicated that their institutions currently offer some forms of alternative credentials.  

• Widespread expectations of growth: Nine out of 10 respondents (91%) anticipated growth in alternative credential program offerings at their institutions. The most anticipated area of growth was in stand-alone offerings, with 73% of respondents reporting that they anticipated their institution’s offerings to grow in this area.  

• Expressed needs for assistance with business aspects: Most respondents expressed the need for assistance and information in the areas of financial modeling (83% of respondents), new business models (86%), and contractual terms and conditions (80%). 

• Expressed needs for quality assurance: Referring to the process of developing partnerships with external content providers, the majority of respondents reported needing assistance or information in areas such as the provider’s quality assurance metrics (86% of respondents), the role of industry and/or employers in the credential offering creation (80%), provider’s experience with other accredited institutions (80%), content creation practices (79%), content update frequency (74%), and financial health of the provider (55%).  

• Expressed interest in HLC member services: 84% of respondents indicated interest in capitalizing on a member benefit like a Credential Lab Service. 71% of respondents indicated interest in a member service to vet external content providers.  

• Interest in helping to create a Quality Assurance Framework: 51% of respondents indicated interest in participating in the creation of a Quality Assurance Framework for external content providers.  

For more details about what we heard from our members, see the full survey report. 

Alternative Credential Survey Findings 

Next Steps

Based on the strong interest expressed by member institutions in this survey, we will provide updates to the membership as the project takes shape.