A new study from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows associate degrees and certificates in construction and engineering can lead to careers that earn workers more than similar degrees in other fields, according to www.constructiondive.com.
“The Overlooked Value of Certificates and Associate’s Degrees: What Students Need to Know Before They Go to College” found the combined number of certificates and associate degrees awarded by colleges is similar to the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded—about 2 million per year—with certificates and associate degrees each accounting for about 1 million.
CEW found workers with associate degrees in engineering or architecture have median earnings about twice as high as those with associate degrees in education and the arts. Workers with certificates in engineering technologies have median earnings that outpace earnings for those with certificates in education. Certificate holders in engineering technologies have a median annual salary between $70,000 and $150,000. Certificate holders in construction trades have a median salary between $40,000 and $50,000, which is higher than certificate holders in the computer science, business management, accounting, healthcare or education fields.
The study found associate degree and certificate programs not only provide the opportunity to earn a competitive salary but are strongly linked to specific careers. Associate degrees include a mix of general education and career preparation, and certificates are almost exclusively career-oriented; about 94% of certification programs and 57% of associate degrees awarded in the U.S. are in career-oriented fields.
About 50% of postsecondary students taking undergraduate coursework are enrolled in certificate and associate degree programs; 47% are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs; and 3% are taking coursework but are not enrolled in a certificate or degree program.
