12 Promising Non-traditional College Pathways

12 Promising Non-traditional

College PathwaysSome students want faster or more experiential paths to

prosperity, re-entry points after stop-outs or opportunities for lifelong learning.

Here’s our Top 12.

Stackable Credentials

PathwaysCombining the traditional pathway

with industry-awarded credentials helps students effectively stack credentials

in a meaningful way.

Example: Carleton College’s InTeGrate

Non-Credential to Credential PathwaysCombined with options like Prior Learning Assessments, colleges can construct pathways that direct students from non-credit classes into credit-bearing coursework.Example: Adult Basic Education

Accelerated PathwaysAccelerated degree programs offer students associate degrees in one year, emphasizing mentorship, guidance, and career-goal alignment.Example: Ivy Tech’s Associate Accelerated Program

Guided Pathway

sLike Google Maps directing you

from point A to B, guided pathways challenge students to

develop strategic plans for completion at the genesis of

their higher ed journeys.

Example: Miami Dade College’sGuided Pathways.

Transfer PathwaysTransfer pathways leverage the high transfer rates of community colleges to four-year programs, allowing students to complete their associate degree as an interim degree enroute to the bachelor’s.Example: Kent State’s associate degree offerings

Work-to-LearnWork-to-Learn pathways recognize out-of-classroom work experiences, including the skills students acquire and the

credentials they may earn as a result of this work.

Example: Apprenticeship USA.

Prior Learning AssessmentPLA allows students to acquire credit hours by demonstrating prior learning (usually acquired from prior work experience and coursework) through rigorous assessments.Example: Texas A&M - Texarkana

Competency-Based EducationCBE redefines the function of a credit from a measure of time and towards a measure of skill mastery.Example: The Competency-Based Education Network

Developmental Ed RedesignRedesigning development education courses condenses remedial levels, restructures curriculum to focus more on practical math skills, and reformats the coursework to better emphasize college success skills, like study habits and time management.Example: Complete College America

Military Crosswal

k13 states have developed

strategic pathways for connecting veterans’ occupational specialty

codes with civilian careers, helping veterans navigate careers

by industry and their military jobs.

Example: My Next Move

Applied Baccalaureate Degrees

Applied degrees encourage enrollment and attainment in high-need career paths (e.g., nurses), and students enjoy degree programs that emphasize practice and application

in their degree programs.Example: Washington State

Career/Technica

l Pathway

sThese often operate on a 2+2+2

model to connect those with only some high school education

with a pathway toward an associate degree and then a

bachelor’s degree.Example: Butte College