According to a 2025 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, students earning traditional college degrees have declined, while certificate completions are trending upward. Certificate completion has hit a 10-year high for the third consecutive year, while bachelor’s and associate degree attainment have declined for the same period. So, certificates are on the rise, but are they a smart choice?
Short answer: It depends on which program you enroll in. Certificate programs offer a faster, more affordable path to credentials than an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. With a certificate, you’ll qualify for skilled entry-level jobs, typically in 6 to 18 months. However, an analysis of federal data found only 34% of all certificate holders recouped the cost within five years.
The low return on investment (ROI) percentage for students isn’t because certificates are bad. It comes from too few people enrolling in high-ROI programs. Meaning, many opt for lower-value certificate programs, overlooking higher-value options. The type of institution you choose for a certificate program also matters.
Want to know which certificates are worth it and which ones to avoid? We’ll guide you through how certificate programs work, their pros and cons, how to choose a program that delivers value, and how to stack credentials to keep your career moving forward. By the end, you’ll know which certificates deliver real career advancement and which ones waste your time and money.
Overview of Professional Certificates
Professional certificates are short, concentrated programs designed to teach skills for a specific job or task. Unlike traditional degrees, which cover a breadth of subjects, certificates have a narrow focus. If it’s not relevant to the role, it’s not included in the curriculum.
They’re common in fields like healthcare, IT, business, skilled trades, and education, where specific, job-ready skills can be more important than a traditional degree. Certificates are a popular choice for:
- Early-career professionals
- Working adults seeking advancement
- Career changers
This article focuses on certificates, but we’ll also touch on certification, which is something different. Where a certificate is obtained after completing a program, a certification is granted by a professional organization after passing an exam that verifies skills. It’s important to note the distinction because some jobs require certification for employment or advancement.
Types of Professional Certificates
There are a few different types of certificates you can pursue, depending on your goals and the field you’re interested in:
- Career entry certificates: These are for people who want to quickly break into a field, usually without a degree. Common areas include IT support, medical assisting, transportation, and criminal justice.
- Upskilling and advancement certificates: Targeted at people looking to advance in or specialize within their field. These are popular in human resources (HR), finance, and healthcare, and often align with certifications (e.g., taking a certificate course to prepare for PMP or CompTIA Security+ certification).
- Postsecondary and graduate certificates: Designed for people with degrees already, these advanced programs provide specialized training in areas such as computer science, business, and government.
Time, Cost, and Career ROI
When evaluating certificate programs, consider these three factors together:
- Time commitment: Can you fit this in your schedule while balancing your other obligations? The typical certificate program takes four weeks to two years, depending on the subject, intensity, and whether it’s for entry-level learners or experienced professionals.
- Cost: Can you afford the cost right now? Most certificate programs cost between $1,000-$5,000, though some certificates for graduate students can go as high as $20,000. If you need help, fill out a FAFSA form to see which grants and student aid are available.
- Career impact: Are you choosing a program that delivers a high ROI? The program and type of institution you enroll in will make a difference. We examine the details below.
According to an analysis of federal data, certificates with the fastest turnaround ROI are based on preparing students to perform in specific professions. Top programs include truck driving, equipment maintenance, plumbing, and practical nursing. Also high on the list are programs that lead to in-demand certification in niche fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, certified public accounting, or project management.
In contrast, certificate programs that have broader applications, high tuition costs, and limited career advancement opportunities have the lowest ROI. These programs include English literature, massage therapy, culinary arts, and cosmetology. The analysis found cosmetology to be particularly low-yield, with 97% of certificate-earning graduates showing no economic ROI.
Another factor affecting potential certificate ROI is the type of institution you choose. According to the analysis, the percentage of programs delivering a return within the first 10 years breaks down as follows:
- Public institutions: 76%
- Private institutions: 62%
- For-profit institutions: 48%
In addition, 46% of certificate programs from for-profit institutions showed no ROI at all, making them the poorest choice for students seeking a reliable financial return. Before enrolling, be sure to check how far the certificate can take you in your career, how reputable the institution is, and whether the program leads to real job opportunities.
The Growth and Popularity of Certificates
Certificates have become more popular over the years due to their lower cost, shorter completion time, and a growing emphasis on skills over degrees. According to a 2024 report, certificate completions are up nearly 4%, reaching a decade-high level. Fields such as mechanic and repair tech technologies, construction trades, and dual enrollment programs for high school students saw particularly strong gains. The trend is also gaining traction among younger students and women, with completion rates rising by 11.3% and 6.2%, respectively.
Pros of Professional Certificates
Professional certificates have grown in popularity because they offer a range of practical benefits that make them appealing to today’s workers. Certificate programs are flexible and accessible, with online and hybrid formats that let working professionals and adults with family obligations learn new skills without upending their lives.
Here are some of the top reasons professionals are turning to certificates:
- Enhanced marketability: Certificates boost resumes, demonstrate commitment to professional growth, and signal job-readiness in competitive markets. According to a SHRM survey, more employers are actively seeking candidates with alternative credentials like certificates because they uncover untapped talent.
- Higher salary potential: Studies show certifications correlate with salary increases, particularly in IT and healthcare.
- Upskilling: Certificates provide focused, job-specific skills, enhancing job performance and career advancement opportunities. This is also an efficient way to pivot into new roles within your current field.
Cons of Professional Certificates
While professional certificates have clear advantages, they’re not the right fit for everyone. This path comes with trade-offs, and you have to do your due diligence to evaluate whether a program offers a good ROI. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider before enrolling:
- Limited long-term upside: While certificates can get you hired or promoted in the short term, they may not offer the same career advancement opportunities as degrees. Many high-level roles still require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Concerns about automation: Some fields where certificates are prevalent — such as administrative support, data entry, or basic IT support roles — might be at risk of automation, impacting long-term job security.
- Uncertain ROI: Some programs lead to rewarding careers, but many others offer minimal job prospects or low earning potential. Choosing an unaccredited or low-demand program can leave you in debt and with limited opportunities.
Stacking Credentials for Career Advancement
In the last 10 to 15 years, many institutions have expanded their applied and technical programs, especially in healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. This has fueled the rise of the stackable credential movement, a pathway that lets students build on short-term certificate programs to earn additional credentials or degrees by stacking related skills. For example, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can stack that credential to earn a licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate or apply it towards a nursing degree to become a registered nurse (RN).
Stacking credentials can be part of a larger educational pathway, but it’s not always utilized effectively. For example, some people enroll in unrelated certificate programs with no cumulative value. To get the most value, the key is alignment and having a roadmap toward a long-term goal. Each certificate should:
- Build toward a specific role or specialization.
- Meet industry-recognized standards or lead to certification.
- Be offered by a reputable, accredited institution.
Stackable certificates work best for fields where skill requirements evolve rapidly, there are skilled labor shortages, and where specialization pays off. This is typically seen in areas like healthcare, IT, business, and advanced manufacturing. Institutions such as National University offer stackable credentials, giving you a flexible, cost-effective way to build qualifications.
Industry Perspectives and Employer Views
Certificates are increasingly seen as a valuable pathway to immediate skill acquisition and career advancement. They’re an effective way to qualify for entry-level roles and update your skill set to stay current in your field. The certificate-to-certification pipeline is especially beneficial as many high-paying, high-demand jobs in fields like information technology and healthcare require certification.
According to a report by SHRM, an overwhelming number of employers value alternative credentials, such as certificates. It states that 87% of executives, 81% of supervisors, and 90% of HR professionals consider these credentials as important factors during the hiring process. The report further said that certified individuals bring value to the workplace, have more credibility, and are better performers. For many roles, a certificate can open doors that a degree alone may not.
However, certificates aren’t a guaranteed path to advancement in every field. The long-term value of certificate programs is still debated, especially if you don’t have a degree alongside. A bachelor’s degree is often a minimal requirement for advancing into leadership roles, despite what many companies say about prioritizing skills over formal education.
Examples of High-Value Certificates and Certifications
If you’re investing in a certificate, make sure it offers high ROI. Below are examples of certificates and certifications that lead to in-demand, high-paying jobs. National University also offers flexible programs in each category to help working adults reach their career goals.
- Technology: Google IT Support, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Security +, and NU’s Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning
- Healthcare: Medical Assistant Certification, CNA, Phlebotomy Technician, and NU’s Professional Certificate in Medical Coding
- Business: Project Management Professional (PMP), SHRM-CP for HR professionals, and NU’s Certificate in Digital Marketing
To get the most value from your education, consider combining a certificate or certification with a degree. There are two pathways you can take:
- Degree -> Job -> Certificate or Certification
- This is best if you need to upskill, pivot, advance to leadership, or specialize in your career.
- Certificate -> Job -> Degree (and Certification)
- This is a faster route to employment and working experience. Earn your degree while working to advance, and your employer may help pay for your degree if they offer tuition reimbursement.
Conclusion
Professional certificates offer a flexible, focused path to building skills and career growth. They are especially useful for working adults looking to upskill, pivot, or advance into leadership. If you choose to earn a certificate, make sure you do your homework and choose a program with high ROI from a reputable, accredited institution.
Certificates that lead to industry-recognized certification in fields such as healthcare, business, or information technology are a smart investment for long-term success and stability. Stacking certificates or combining certificates and degrees is another strategic move that will pay off in the long run with higher pay and more advancement opportunities.
National University is committed to helping adult learners like you achieve more. Our certificate programs offer flexibility, real skill development, and positive career impact. Choose from programs in high-demand fields such as healthcare, business, marketing, and technology, and take the next step towards your goals today. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking for stackable credentials, we have a certificate program for you.
