US – The increase in postsecondary enrollment was especially high

“The rising cost of college education and high unemployment levels among recent college graduates are raising the question “Is college worth its cost?” in the minds of many Americans. A recent study published by the Associated Press found that one out of every two recent college graduates is jobless or underemployed, suggesting maybe college isn’t worth the money. Yet, job losses in the recession and job gains in the early recovery tell a very different story” says the report THE COLLEGE ADVANTAGE: WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM by ANTHONY P. CARNEVALE, TAMARA JAYASUNDERA and BAN CHEAH on georgetown.edu.

SEEKING SHELTER IN COLLEGE FROM THE GREAT RECESSION

During the weak labor market, when jobs are scarce and wages are stagnant, workers often seek to improve their training and leverage that for better employment. Delaying entry into the labor market by enrolling in postsecondary education is also a way to seek shelter until the labor market improves. Increased postsecondary enrollment tends to occur during recessions. Because of the devastating job losses during the recent recession, the increase in postsecondary enrollment was especially high.

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At a time when college education is under attack from cost cutters and the increasing cost of college education is raising the question of whether postsecondary education is worth the money, these findings provide a compelling reason to say, yes. In jobs at every skill level and in many different occupations, the better-educated applicant has the edge. For workers, the findings point the way to acquiring the skills that the market needs and values. For students and their parents who are contemplating whether higher education is a good value, these findings make clear that the answer is a resounding yes. And for employers, the findings indicate the need to ensure that more of the workforce is prepared for higher education and their willingness to pay higher salaries to guarantee the workforce they need.

Full report @ :

@ THE COLLEGE ADVANTAGE: WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM