Your Money Minute – Episode Summary

Episode: "Fewer Kids Choose 4 Year Degrees"
Host: Jessica Ettinger (CNBC)
Air Date: February 16, 2026
Length: 60 seconds

Overview

In this concise episode, Jessica Ettinger and Jessica Dickler from CNBC spotlight a significant trend reshaping higher education and career pathways in the U.S: more students are opting out of traditional four-year college degrees in favor of shorter, career-focused certificate and associate programs. The discussion covers enrollment data, financial incentives, and the growing appeal of alternatives to the bachelor's degree.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rise in Alternative Education Paths

• Growing Preference for Shorter Programs:
  Jessica Ettinger opens by noting a surge in students leaving high school and choosing certificate or associate programs, particularly those with a direct link to careers.

  “More students are turning away from four year degrees and instead they're choosing shorter-term certificate and associate programs. For kids who know what they want to do, it makes a lot of money sense.”
  — Jessica Ettinger [00:01]

Data on Enrollment Trends

• Enrollment Shifts:
  Jessica Dickler cites research from the National Student Clearinghouse, highlighting clear growth in community college and apprenticeship program enrollments.

  “Community college enrollment, specifically apprenticeship program certificate programs are up while bachelor degree programs are growing, but at a much slower rate.”
  — Jessica Dickler [00:16]

Motivations: Cost, Accessibility, Career Focus

• Financial and Practical Incentives:
  The conversation points to the value-driven decisions behind this trend: lower costs, faster timelines, and job readiness.

  “We're seeing this shift for high schoolers coming out of school choosing a less expensive, more accessible, career driven alternative to four year school.”
  — Jessica Dickler [00:30]

Expanding Pell Grant Eligibility

• Financial Aid Support:
  The episode highlights recent expansions in Pell grant policy, making federal financial aid (up to about $7,000) available for many shorter-term credential programs.

  “This year Pell grants of up to about $7,000 are in play for certificate and associate programs.”
  — Jessica Ettinger [00:40]

  “Some of these programs would make you eligible to receive Pell grant funding which is a type of financial aid. And that can really move the needle, you know, encouraging more students to move into these shorter term credentialing programs…”
  — Jessica Dickler [00:46]

Where to Learn More

• Further Resources:
  Listeners are prompted to access detailed coverage and a full video breakdown of the trend at CNBC.com.

  “Jessica Dickler's done a full video on this trend and what you need to know at cnbc.com.”
  — Jessica Ettinger [01:01]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “For kids who know what they want to do, it makes a lot of money sense.”
  — Jessica Ettinger [00:04]

• “Some of these programs would make you eligible to receive Pell grant funding... And that can really move the needle, you know, encouraging more students to move into these shorter term credentialing programs rather than a four year school.”
  — Jessica Dickler [00:46]

Key Timestamps

• 00:01 — Introduction to the trend of moving away from four-year degrees
• 00:16 — Data on enrollment trends in alternative programs
• 00:30 — Motivations for choosing career-driven, less expensive options
• 00:40 — Highlighting Pell Grants for certificate/associate programs
• 01:01 — Referral to CNBC’s full video report for deeper insight

Tone and Language

Jessica Ettinger maintains a clear, approachable, and data-driven tone. Jessica Dickler contributes with a direct, informative style focused on both the numbers and the rationale behind student choices. The conversation is tightly focused, delivering actionable insight within a brief format.

For listeners:
This episode succinctly outlines why growing numbers of students and families are reevaluating the traditional path to a college degree, guided by both financial motivations and career readiness. Explore more perspectives and analysis by viewing Jessica Dickler's extended report at CNBC.com.