Kamala Harris pledges to open federal jobs to non-degree holders amid rising education costs and low graduation rates: A look at alternative paths to success

As one of the biggest elections unfolds, the world is watching out for the 2024 US Presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are locked in a tight race for the presidency. Recently, in a speech delivered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Kamala Harris pledged to eliminate unnecessary college degree requirements for certain federal jobs if she is elected.

Reuters has quoted Harris saying, “As president, I will get rid of the unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs to increase opportunities for folks without a four-year degree.” She emphasized the importance of acknowledging alternative paths to success, such as apprenticeships and technical programs, in addition to traditional college degrees.

According to data released by the US Census Bureau in early 2023, over 62% of US citizens aged 25 and older do not hold a bachelor’s degree. Harris argued that a degree does not necessarily reflect a person's skills.

Understanding the US Four-Year Degree System

The US undergraduate education system is based on the liberal arts and sciences framework, allowing students to take classes in various subjects alongside their major. Typically, a bachelor’s degree requires four years of full-time study, with each institution setting its own credit requirements for graduation. Many undergraduate programs also require standardized test scores as part of the application process, with admissions based on students’ academic records and test results. Notably, there is no single national college entrance examination mandated by the federal or state governments.

Graduation Rates in the US

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 3.1 million individuals aged 16 to 24 who graduated from high school between January and October 2023, 1.9 million (61.4%) were enrolled in colleges or universities by October. This enrollment rate is slightly lower than the 62% observed in October 2022 and below the pre-pandemic rate of 66.2% in 2019. In 2023, 65.3% of young women enrolled in college compared to 57.6% of young men, continuing a long-standing trend since 1996. Among recent graduates, 74.6% attended four-year colleges, while 25.4% enrolled in two-year institutions.

The Cost of Education in the US

Pursuing higher education in the US can be prohibitively expensive, with top-tier private universities costing as much as $60,000 per year, according to QS World Rankings. Public universities offer more affordable options, with average tuition in the 2018/19 academic year reported as $10,230 for in-state students and $26,290 for out-of-state and international students, according to the College Board. Community colleges present the most cost-effective choice, with average fees around $3,660.

However, costs continue to rise. According to US News, the average tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year was $10,423 for public in-state students and $39,723 for private colleges. Many students resort to loans to finance their education, with the class of 2021 borrowing an average of $29,719—25% higher than in 2009. Consequently, fewer students are opting for four-year undergraduate programs due to financial constraints.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

While a college degree has traditionally been the gateway to many professional roles, not all federal jobs require one. According to data from USAJobs, individuals can qualify for various federal positions based on job-related work experience.

Examples of Federal Jobs Requiring a 4-Year Degree:

• Public Affairs Specialist (US Department of Defense): Requires a degree in communications, journalism, or public relations for managing government communications and media relations.
• Civil Engineer (US Army Corps of Engineers): Necessitates a degree in civil engineering for public infrastructure projects like dams and roads.
• Foreign Service Officer (US Department of State): Requires a degree in international relations or political science for diplomatic roles.
• Financial Analyst (US Department of the Treasury): Requires a degree in finance, economics, or accounting for analyzing government financial data.

Federal Jobs Not Requiring a 4-Year Degree:

• Transportation Security Officer (TSA): Requires only a high school diploma or equivalent for airport security screening.
• Postal Service Worker (US Postal Service): Requires only a high school diploma or GED for sorting and delivering mail.
• Clerk or Administrative Assistant (Various Federal Agencies): Typically requires a high school diploma, with on-the-job training provided.

This comparison underscores the significant differences in job accessibility based on educational qualifications. The skills gap between employer expectations and employee qualifications is widening. While a college degree has been a traditional bridge for many, the rising costs of higher education leave graduates with substantial debt, and wages have not kept pace with inflation, making it challenging for them to manage their financial burdens.

The Role of Apprenticeship Programs

The gap between skills sought by employers and the qualifications of potential employees can be addressed through apprenticeship programs. The National Apprenticeship Act, enacted in 1937, has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years. According to a World Economic Forum report, apprenticeships in the US grew by 64% from 2012 to 2021.

Valued Apprenticeship Programs:

• Information Technology (IT): Programs in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis offer hands-on training.
• Healthcare: Apprenticeships for medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and home health aides provide essential clinical skills.
• Manufacturing and Engineering: Focus on technical skills for production and innovation in advanced manufacturing and robotics.
• Skilled Trades: Fields like electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry remain in demand for maintaining infrastructure.
• Finance and Business: Programs in accounting and human resources provide structured corporate training.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Apprenticeships in culinary arts and hotel management prepare individuals for customer service roles.
• Renewable Energy: Green energy sectors offer apprenticeships focused on sustainable technology.

In conclusion, while higher education remains a conventional path to securing professional positions, apprenticeships present a valuable alternative for developing the skills that employers seek. The increasing availability of apprenticeship programs could help bridge the skills gap and provide a viable pathway for more individuals to enter the workforce.



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