New America research shows degree apprenticeships are expanding as employers and institutions seek workforce-aligned credentials, but access remains limited and uneven. The programs blend paid work and credit-bearing coursework; while uptake is rising, barriers such as employer partnerships, geographic concentration, and institutional readiness restrict scale. Policymakers and campus leaders promoting apprenticeship models must navigate alignment between academic credit frameworks and on-the-job training, plus ensure equitable outreach to underrepresented students. Where programs succeed, institutions report stronger employer ties and clearer labor-market pathways for undergraduates. Universities experimenting with apprenticeships should invest in employer engagement teams, credit articulation, and longitudinal tracking to demonstrate student outcomes and make the case for broader investment.
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