Exactly why there needs to be standardized outcome disclosure for every institution of higher learning, at least for those who receive federal funds/subsidized funds. We then can see who can survive and/or adapt in a market where there is better information for the consumer of higher education.
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Sorry if this was answered earlier, but what proportion of high school graduates end up enrolled in such institutions? In particular, is it a large percentage of students who attend the 18% of 4 year colleges with pretty abysmal employment outcomes for their students?
According to the first paragraph of the Report itself, the study purports to measure the percentage of students from each school who were “earning more than they would have if they never pursued a postsecondary education in the first place.” But in order to make this determination the study would need to first determine the typical HS-only income from the communities each school served.
For example, for a URM in a poor rural area with a low minimum wage, the typical HS-only income is likely to be significantly lower than the national median. For schools serving these communities, the percentage earning above the national median will not accurately reflect the percentage of former students who earn “more more than they would have if they never pursued a postsecondary education in the first place.” (The opposite could apply for schools serving wealthier areas with higher minimum wages and more better earning opportunities for HS-Only.)
So I’m not sure “the methodology is valid for what is being measured.”
I agree with you regarding the need for added transparency, but like with the study, one needs to make sure that the information provided actually serves the intended purpose of the provision.
The study itself would be much more useful if it provided more extensive cross tabs. For example, the study could easily sort out the for-profit baccalaureate programs, many or most of which are “diploma” mills. Likewise it could provide the 10 years after start figures for baccalaureate programs at the public and non-profit private schools. IMO this would go a long ways toward answering whether students were indeed better off going to a reputable four year colleges.
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And pull the kids that didn’t complete into their own 4yr and 2yr pools to be studied separately. Then you could measure the cost of dropping out and put a better measure on the risk associated with trying in the first place: staying home gets you this, making it to graduation gains you that, but failing leaves you down here. It would certainly illustrate the need to better support these students to get them over safely.
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I don’t think there is any sliver bullet. My niece went to a CC, where her mother teachers, so it was free for her. She was not expected to have to attend family events if she had an exam the next day, but then again both of her parents are college educated and they know what is needed is to graduate. Her mom also works at the CC so she knows that it’s not grade 13. But, I can see how it would be different for a 1st generation college students, whose family may not realize the time you need to devote to studying and schoolwork…
My D19 who is now a senior in college has solid life skills. She is in her 3rd year of being off campus. She has food budget and does her own shopping. She cooks herself.
I also think it helps people she is around. Her roommate and best friend at school is a girl that is estranged from her parents. I mean so much so that she is independent on the FAFSA. I was supper impressed this year when they moved into a house. The friend got all the utilities and cable/wifi set up herself before move in day. I was definitely afraid of driving down to move in day and there being no electricity or water. But her friend rocked it.
I think the two of them help each other out quite a bit on the adulting front.
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