Non-Degree Programs in the US | Enrollment and Prospects
As per the enrollment of students in the years 2017 and 18, there has been an evident decline in the enrollment of non-degree programs. The enrollment witnessed a decline in the rate of about 10% in the year 2017-18. The main cause of declined enrollment comes out to be a lack of financial support from the foreign government. As a matter of fact, the highest decline rate comes from the countries sending the highest number of candidates to a foreign country. On the contrary, 29% of Non-degree enrollment within the US counts to students from countries like Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Due to the acute decline in the rate of foreign students in the non-degree programs, the Government keeps changing the scholarship rates. This in rate affects the foreign students coming from the moderate economy countries.
Who are Non-Degree Students?
Non-degree students are exchange students pursuing certificate programs, continuing their prior qualification, the non-credit students, etc. Also, the international students who are enrolled at a university for a research program but are not pursuing any degree are also Non-degree students. These are basically foreign students who come to the US for learning a new language or developing a new skill needed for their profession advancement. Such students enroll in US universities for a non-degree course.
Who are Non-Degree Students?
Non-degree students are exchange students pursuing certificate programs, continuing their prior qualification, the non-credit students, etc. Also, the international students who are enrolled at a university for a research program but are not pursuing any degree are Non-degree students. These are foreign students who come to the US for learning a new language or developing a new skill needed for their profession advancement. Such students enroll in US universities for a non-degree course.
What are the Main Benefits of Non-Degree Programs?
Flexible Credit Transfer
While studying in US universities, the non-degree students get to earn credits that are transferable to the degree-granting programs. Another advantage is that the credit points are applicable both in the US HEI and in the International HEIs as well.
Optional Practical Training
The international students pursuing the non-degree certificate programs in US universities are eligible to opt for the practical training program. According to this program, international students with a year-long certification in their field can apply for practical training.
Highly Pocket-Friendly
As per the data collected from the US universities, the students opting for a Non-degree course got to pay fewer expenses than degree ones. The affordability of non-degree programs invites more international students to pay their own tuition fees and pursue qualifications.
International Student Non-Degree Enrollment in the US
As per the graph with image source from WES.org, there has been an acute decline in the percentage of non-degree enrollment in the US.
What are the Future Prospects of Non-Degree Programs?
As per the growing trends, the prospects of non-degree programs depend on foreign government policies. As and when the government changes its economic policies, there is a decline in enrollment in the non-degree programs. This risk of low-growth is not restricted to a limited academic level but applies to all stages. This breaks the wreck of college by reducing the number of admissions, thus affecting the economy as well.
To compensate for the loss of non-degree students at that time, there should be a diversification of students coming from different geographical zones. This emphasizes the importance of the university’s ties with the academic departments. For students to spend most of their time in academics, this creates a high scope for the student’s enrollment in non-degree programs. As an example, the University of Berkeley stands long-term relations with its sociology department. The high outreach opportunities of students in conferences like NAFSA and APAIE increase enrollment rates too.
Furthermore, non-degree programs should improve their English language courses and other certification programs to attract high enrollment. Introduction of new courses, which the international students might like to enroll in, is an effective way for increased revenue.
So, the conclusion is that the percentage of international students’ enrollment in non-degree programs is declining. But, with proper strategy and effective ways, this declining rate can be prevented.
