A New America report is spotlighting U.S. degree apprenticeships as a growing, industry-vetted pathway that pays students while they earn credentials aligned to employer needs. The report, informed by programs at City Colleges of Chicago, Reach University and Colorado Mountain College, identifies five traits of successful programs: accessibility, employer alignment, wraparound supports, data-driven responsiveness, and scalable public funding. Degree apprenticeships remain limited by accreditation rules, inconsistent U.S. Department of Labor guidance, and sparse public funding; current offerings are concentrated in a handful of states and often confined to associate degrees. The study highlights nursing and education fields where apprenticeships could expand but face regulatory hurdles. Institutions considering apprenticeships should brace for heavy employer engagement, regulatory navigation, and the need for sustained public funding to scale. Policymakers may need to clarify labor and accreditation guidance to accelerate adoption.
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