In today’s world where a college degree can greatly impact one’s career prospects many Americans find themselves in the category of ‘some college no degree.
‘ But what exactly does that mean?
This article aims to answer the question: What does ‘some college’ mean?
Understanding ‘Some College’
What does ‘some college’ mean? The term “some college” refers to individuals who have been awarded college credit but have not completed a degree.
It can apply to those who have dropped out been expelled or are still enrolled in a course of study. Lumina Foundation’s report shows that in 2013 there were approximately 36.4 million Americans aged 25 to 64 with ‘some college no degree’.
The Adult College Completion Network (ACCN) aimed to reduce the number of ‘some college no degree’ adults to 35.5 million by 2016.
Educational Attainment: Some College
Why is ‘some college’ an important measure? ‘Some college no degree’ is a checkbox option used to measure educational attainment but it may not accurately represent the actual achievements of individuals.
The first federal survey to use a new approach found that nearly a quarter of adults with ‘some college’ had completed a formal credential. Adults with ‘some college’ and a certificate or certification had higher median monthly earnings compared to their peers who hadn’t earned an additional credential.
The goal is to ensure that every student who enters college leaves with a credential that prepares them for a better career and life. Collecting more information about educational certificates and professional certifications can provide a more accurate picture of educational attainment and the strength of the nation.
College Credits: What’s Considered ‘Some College’
‘Some college’ refers to individuals who have been awarded college credit but have not completed a degree. This can apply to those who have dropped out been expelled or are still enrolled in a course of study.
In the American education system college credits can be accumulated and typically signify the progress made towards a degree.
According to the American Community Survey an estimated 36.4 million Americans ages 25 to 64 had ‘some college no degree’ in 2013. The term “some college” is often used on job applications resumes and federal surveys to measure educational attainment.
Non-Graduates with Some College
Not everyone who starts a college degree finishes it. Some people may leave college with only a small amount of credits while others may be just a few courses shy of completing their degree.
In either case they are considered to have ‘some college’ experience.
Having ‘some college’ can be seen as both a positive and negative attribute. On one hand it shows that the individual has pursued a higher education and gained some knowledge and skills.
On the other hand it may also indicate that they did not commit to or complete their course of study.
- Some college experience can be beneficial for entry-level jobs in certain fields
- It may also serve as a stepping stone for individuals looking to re-enter the education system and complete their degree later in life
- However the absence of a degree may also limit career growth and opportunities
In recent years there has been a push to better understand the value of ‘some college no degree’ in terms of additional credentials like educational certificates and professional certifications. A new approach to federal survey data found that nearly a quarter of adults with ‘some college’ had completed a formal credential making it a noteworthy achievement.
| Category | Median Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| Some college no additional credential | $2376 |
| Some college plus certificate or certification | $3248 |
As we can see from the table above adults with ‘some college’ and an additional certificate or certification have higher median monthly earnings compared to their peers who have not earned an additional credential. This highlights the importance of recognizing the achievements of non-graduates with some college experience and the potential value of alternative learning paths.
Achieving Success with ‘Some College’
The term ‘some college’ refers to individuals who have been awarded college credit but have not completed a degree. This can apply to those who have dropped out been expelled or are still enrolled in a course of study.
Dropping out of college presents a unique opportunity to make the most of the time and resources saved. Skills can be developed personal projects can be pursued and knowledge can be gained outside of a formal college education.
Building a personal brand through blogging and social media presence is recommended. Learning a skill and starting to sell it even if not fully ready can lead to opportunities and experience.
Reading books and following blogs can provide valuable insights and knowledge.
- Get a job become a minimalist and save money for financial stability and work experience
- Create something every month to build a portfolio and gain practical experience
- Establish a routine of healthy habits for overall success
- Become an expert in a specific area for networking opportunities and differentiation
- Enjoy life and have fun to prevent stress and burnout from traditional education
In 2013 it was estimated that there were approximately 36.4 million Americans ages 25 to 64 with ‘some college no degree’. The Adult College Completion Network (ACCN) aimed to reduce this number to 35.5 million by 2016.
Some College vs. Graduating: Understanding the Difference
‘Some college’ refers to a person who has completed a certain amount of college-level education but has not graduated with a degree. It indicates that the person has taken some courses or spent some time in college but not enough to earn a degree.
The term ‘some’ signifies an unspecified or indefinite amount depending on the context. In relation to time ‘some’ can indicate a short duration or a longer period depending on the subject being considered.
The concept of ‘some college’ is more applicable in the American education system where college credits can be accumulated over a flexible timeframe. It is important to distinguish between ‘some college’ and ‘graduating from college’ as they represent different levels of educational attainment.
Adults with ‘some college’ and a certificate or certification had higher median monthly earnings compared to their peers who hadn’t earned an additional credential.
The first federal survey to use a new approach found that nearly a quarter of adults with ‘some college’ had completed a formal credential. Collecting more information about educational certificates and professional certifications can provide a more accurate picture of educational attainment and the strength of the nation.