Building Success Step-by-Step
Sequenced certificates, certifications, and degrees designed to build on one another allow students to accumulate qualifications over time while advancing toward higher-paying employment opportunities.
Non-Linear Education
Traditional continuous full-time education doesn’t serve today’s students or employers
Workforce Mismatch
Rapid technological change requires current, specific skills alongside traditional degrees
Access Barriers
Many students cannot commit to traditional degree timelines due to work and family responsibilities
Proof Points
Stackable credentials provide immediate workforce value while maintaining pathways to advanced education, reducing financial risk and accommodating diverse student needs.
- Students earning stackable credentials are 30% more likely to complete higher-level qualifications
- 16% average wage increase after initial credentials, with additional 18% for each subsequent credential
- 40% higher retention rates for adult learners compared to traditional degree programs
- 25% reduction in completion gaps for historically underserved populations
Ivy Tech Community College’s Career Accelerator Program allows students to earn meaningful credentials in 8-week cycles, with each certificate aligned to employment opportunities and contributing fully toward associate degrees. This achieved 45% increase in credential completion rates with 68% continuing to stack additional credentials.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indiana
Benefits
Stackable credentials provide flexible pathways to career advancement while helping institutions serve diverse populations and respond quickly to changing workforce needs.
Career Advancement
Immediate workforce entry with continuous pathways to higher qualifications
Flexible Learning
Accommodation of work, family, and life circumstances while pursuing education
Economic Returns
Measurable wage gains at each credential level with cumulative benefits over time
Related News
-
Learn More: North Dakota joins national coalition of states working to raise college completion ratesNorth Dakota joins national coalition of states working to raise college completion rates
Burgum, North Dakota University System announce membership in the Complete College America Alliance
-
Learn More: Amplification Lab – Partnership Spotlight: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher EducationAmplification Lab – Partnership Spotlight: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
In this special Amplification Lab guest post, Dr. Robert Placido describes the impact of the collective work of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) and Complete College America to support college success and completion in Oklahoma.
-
Learn More: New Report Urges Increased Support for Part-Time Students from Underserved BackgroundsNew Report Urges Increased Support for Part-Time Students from Underserved Backgrounds
Complete College America research finds part-time students disproportionately from historically-excluded backgrounds; urges colleges and policymakers take steps to ensure part-time student success INDIANAPOLIS (August 26, 2022) — Complete College America (CCA), a national non-profit organization on a mission to raise postsecondary attainment in the United States, released a new research brief on the impact of…
Related Resources
-
Learn More: Module 1: How Can Student Success Technology Advance Institution Goals?
Module 1: How Can Student Success Technology Advance Institution Goals?
Developed by The Ada Center in partnership with Complete College America Getting Started Over the last decade, the student success technology landscape has undergone an immense transformation. New ed-tech start-ups created an ever-growing suite of new products and features meant to streamline higher education processes and improve student outcomes. Innovations in data analytics and improvements…
-
Learn More: Attainment with AI: Making a Real Difference in College Completion with Artificial Intelligence
Attainment with AI: Making a Real Difference in College Completion with Artificial Intelligence
Attainment with AI: Making a Real Difference in College Completion with Artificial Intelligence provides many practical ideas and concepts for higher education institutions and systems to employ generative AI for student success, completion, and equity. The playbook categorizes 170+ use cases and 30+ sample prompts within three key operational frameworks: Organizational Effectiveness– Strategic planning supported…
Explore Our Work
We are shifting policy at the state and federal level, changing perspectives among educators and administrators, and implementing proven strategies across hundreds of campuses.
