“Strengthening Community Colleges’ Influence on Economic Mobility”
Past research conducted by Pew has suggested that obtaining a community college degree increases earnings by an average of $7,900 annually -- an earnings increase of 29 percent over those with only a high school diploma. However, despite this compelling evidence, little attention has been given to the role the nation’s community colleges play in boosting economic mobility.
The report, produced by Pew Charitable Trusts, provides a sound empirical basis for determining what can and should be done to overcome individual and institutional impediments that prevent community colleges from better meeting the needs of their students -- especially low-income students who are the most dependent on community colleges for improving their economic mobility. It also examines the various pathways through which students can increase their earnings and explains the links between postsecondary achievement and earnings growth and high school performance, family income and course selection.
The report is based on a database that includes detailed education and employment histories of 84,000 Florida students who reached the twelfth grade in 2000.
