Beyond social mobility, college students value giving back to society

Students who are the first in their family to attend college tend to see it as a means to improve their personal lives and as an opportunity for social mobility. That contrasts with the main message students get from policymakers and universities that largely emphasize career growth. This is the main finding from interviews we conducted with […]

Beyond social mobility, college students value giving back to society Read More »

More student or faculty diversity on campus leads to lower racial gaps in graduation rates

College graduation gaps between Black and white students tend to shrink when there are more students of color or faculty of color on campus. This finding is based on analyses of 2,807 four-year U.S. colleges conducted by psychology researcher Nida Denson and me. Our research appeared as a peer-reviewed article in 2022 in Volume 93, Issue 3, of The Journal

More student or faculty diversity on campus leads to lower racial gaps in graduation rates Read More »

Graduation rates for low-income students lag while their student loan debt soars

A recent federal study on graduation rates for American colleges and universities shows that 40% of all students did not earn a degree or credential within eight years of leaving high school. The graduation rate is even lower for low-income students. Among students from families with income levels of US$115,000 or more, 66% who enrolled in higher

Graduation rates for low-income students lag while their student loan debt soars Read More »

College graduates are often in the dark when it comes to hiring practices and salaries. Chuck Savage / The Image Bank via Getty Images

College may not be the ‘great equalizer’ − luck and hiring practices also play a role, a sociologist explains

Published: June 26, 2024 2.17pm SAST The idea that a college degree levels the playing field for students of different socioeconomic classes has been bolstered in recent years. Research from 2011 and 2017, for example, found that earning a bachelor’s degree helped students from less advantaged backgrounds do as well as their better-off peers._ Jessi Streib, a sociology

College may not be the ‘great equalizer’ − luck and hiring practices also play a role, a sociologist explains Read More »

Why community college students quit despite being almost finished

Community colleges are designed to make college more accessible, yet 6 out of every 10 community college students cannot reap the full rewards of higher education because they do not earn their degree. For graduates, rewards often include making more money. For society, the reward is citizens who are more likely to vote, volunteer and pay more in taxes. Among community college

Why community college students quit despite being almost finished Read More »

The truth about for-profit colleges and Trump University

For-profit colleges and institutions like Trump University have garnered significant attention and controversy over the years, raising questions about their educational quality, business practices, and the impact on students. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the truth about for-profit colleges and the specific case of Trump University. Understanding For-Profit Colleges For-profit colleges operate as businesses seeking

The truth about for-profit colleges and Trump University Read More »

Most students borrow for college, but are they financially literate?

Many students who borrow for college lack adequate financial literacy, which can have significant implications for their financial well-being both during and after their college years. Here are some key points to consider regarding the financial literacy of college students who borrow: Financial Literacy Challenges Among Borrowing Students Impacts of Low Financial Literacy Addressing Financial

Most students borrow for college, but are they financially literate? Read More »

3 vital ways to measure how much a university education is worth

Measuring the value of a university education involves assessing various factors that contribute to its impact on individuals and society. Here are three vital ways to gauge the worth of a university education: 1. Economic Outcomes 1.1. Earnings and Employment Rates 1.2. Return on Investment (ROI) 2. Personal Development and Well-being 2.1. Career Advancement Opportunities

3 vital ways to measure how much a university education is worth Read More »

22 percent of men without college don’t have jobs. Here’s why they’re being left behind

The issue of unemployment among men without college degrees is a complex and multifaceted problem with several underlying factors contributing to their marginalized economic status. Here’s an exploration of the reasons why a significant portion of this demographic is facing joblessness and the broader implications of this trend: 1. Structural Economic Changes Shifts in Job

22 percent of men without college don’t have jobs. Here’s why they’re being left behind Read More »

The problem with the push for more college degrees

The push for more college degrees in society is often viewed as a solution to various economic and social challenges, such as increasing job market competitiveness and promoting upward social mobility. However, this approach also comes with several concerns and criticisms. Here are some key points to consider regarding the potential drawbacks and challenges associated

The problem with the push for more college degrees Read More »