New research from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports that credential completion is rising and that more students are earning undergraduate credentials at younger ages. In 2024–25, more than 3.4 million students completed an undergraduate credential, a 3.2% increase over 2023–24. For the first time, students ages 18–20 accounted for the largest share of first-time associate degree earners, at 32.6%, surpassing those ages 21–24. The report also found that the number of associate degree earners under age 18 more than tripled over the past decade, a shift the researchers associate with increased dual enrollment. Certificates also increased, with 579,400 learners earning certificates as their highest award. The data point to a higher-velocity pipeline into postsecondary credentials earlier in students’ education timelines, with implications for admissions forecasting and academic advising at both K-12 and higher education entry points.