Short‑term credentials are gaining formal acceptance as universities seek employer‑aligned offerings. The Higher Learning Commission issued its first endorsements for third‑party microcredential providers, signaling a path for colleges to partner with outside firms on certificates and badges. At the same time, Chicago Booth partnered with MasterClass and OpenAI to launch a $2,500 AI‑infused executive certificate, illustrating how top business schools are repackaging faculty expertise into lower‑cost, market‑focused programs. Colleges weighing micropathways will now face decisions about quality assurance, credit transfer, and employer alignment as microcredentials scale.