The Growing Trend of No-Job-Degree Requirements: How States Are Rewriting the Employment Playbook

As of January 15, 2025, 27 states have enacted legislation or executive orders aimed at removing degree requirements for many state positions. This growing trend is gaining momentum across states and increasingly influencing the private sector as well, as organizations recognize it as a potential solution to the ongoing talent shortage.

Historically, a college degree has been seen as the key to securing a well-paying job. However, the labor market has undergone significant transformation, with employers today placing equal value on skills, experience, and practical knowledge as they do on formal educational credentials.

Why Are States Reassessing Job-Degree Requirements?

Several key factors are prompting states to reevaluate the necessity of degree requirements for many jobs:

1. Declining College Enrollment: The soaring cost of higher education has left many with substantial debt, leading some to question the return on investment of a college degree. As the financial burden of education grows, both job seekers and employers are shifting their focus to skills and certifications rather than years of formal schooling.

2. The Skills Gap: According to the National Skills Coalition, more than 70 percent of jobs in the US require education or training beyond high school. However, more than 70 million US workers lack a college degree. The widening gap between the demand for skilled workers in fields such as manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare, and the growing recognition by employers of the value of hands-on experience and technical certifications, is reshaping the job market.

3. State-Level Initiatives: States like New York, California, Colorado, and Maryland have been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at removing degree requirements for government positions. For example, in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent executive order eliminated degree requirements for more than 200 state job categories. Similarly, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore signed a bill to expand access to state employment by removing degree prerequisites, particularly in fields like IT and human services.

The Benefits of Eliminating Degree Requirements

The decision to remove degree requirements for state jobs offers numerous advantages for both employers and job seekers:

1. Increased Access to Employment: For many individuals, particularly those from low-income or underrepresented communities, a four-year degree may not be an accessible or feasible option. By eliminating degree requirements, states can provide greater access to employment for individuals who may otherwise be excluded from the workforce. This could promote economic mobility and foster a more diverse pool of candidates.

2. Closing the Skills Gap: As investments in workforce learning and development technologies continue to rise, states can help bridge the skills gap by prioritizing relevant competencies over academic qualifications. By focusing on skills, employers can close the gap between what is needed in the labor market and what employees are trained to do. With technology, employers have visibility into what skills exist among their entire workforce and have insights into individuals’ unique career aspirations.

3. Reduced Employee Turnover: Employers who focus on skills and hands-on experience are more likely to hire individuals who are genuinely passionate about their roles and equipped with the necessary skills to succeed. Furthermore, providing professional development opportunities for already existing, high-performing employees can increase job satisfaction and engagement, leading to lower turnover rates.

Looking Ahead: A Shift Toward Skills-Based Employment

As the “no degree, no problem” philosophy continues to gain traction, we may see a more widespread transformation in how talent is sourced and valued. The shift toward skills-based hiring is not just a short-term response to the labor market’s tight conditions, but a broader evolution in the way we perceive work and education in a rapidly changing economy.

In the future, we may find that a degree is no longer the hallmark of a qualified candidate, and practical skills, hands-on experience, and a proven track record will reign supreme. By moving away from rigid degree requirements, states and employers are taking a crucial step toward building a more equitable and dynamic workforce, one that reflects the true needs of today’s fast-changing job market.