This report by Strada Education Network, in collaboration with Gallup, provides insights into the perspectives of Americans without degrees regarding further education and training. It focuses on understanding what motivates these individuals to pursue additional education and the barriers they face. The findings are based on responses from nearly 350,000 U.S. adults, offering a broad overview of how perceptions vary by demographic and geographic lines.
Main Takeaways:
- Perceived Need for Education: Nearly half of Americans without degrees feel they need additional education to advance in their careers, with significant variations across states and demographic groups.
- Likelihood of Enrollment: More than half of the respondents indicate a likelihood to pursue further education within the next five years, with younger adults, low-income individuals, and people of color expressing a higher propensity.
- Preferred Providers: Many adults are more likely to seek education from employers rather than traditional educational institutions, indicating a trend towards work-based learning pathways.
- Incentives for Enrollment: Guaranteed employment outcomes, such as job placement or wage increases, are seen as the most influential motivators for enrolling in further education.
- Challenges for Near-Completers: Adults with some college experience but no degree present complex challenges, showing varied levels of interest and likelihood to return to traditional educational settings.