Learning and Earning in the Middle: The Economic Benefits of Sub-Baccalaureate Education.

Abstract

This report reviews the available evidence on the economic benefits of postsecondary education below the level of the baccalaureate degree, concentrating on the effects of community colleges. Several new national data sets have become available over the past decade, expanding the number and detail of results available. Effects of sub-baccalaureate attendance are presented in general, for special groups, by field of study, and by types of institutions. In addition, states have begun using Unemployment Insurance data to measure the employment and wage effects of their postsecondary programs. Results are presented for California, Washington, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. While the state and local analyses available are still limited, the results are similar to those from national studies. In general, the results indicate substantial benefits for many kinds of postsecondary education, particularly when individuals complete programs, enroll in certain occupational areas, and find employment related to their fields of study. The benefits of small amounts of community college remain unclear. Many of the state results indicate that the benefits materialize within three years of leaving education, tough the long-run effects may be even greater. However, under certain conditions, economic benefits fail to materialize, clarifying the value of empirical work rather than ideology or hearsay in helping inform students, educators, and policy makers. Contains over 100 references. (JJL) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************

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