The shift to remote learning or, in some cases, a scaled back in-person experience at colleges and universities amid the coronavirus pandemic, has put a renewed focus on a question students and families have long asked about college education:New research from Georgetown University’s Center for Education and the Workforce finds that it depends, but not necessarily on the factors one might expect.
In some cases, shorter programs can deliver more to students earnings-wise in their first year following graduation than others that may require a larger time or money investment. Former Vice President Joe Biden is proposing to make public college free for students from families earning $125,000 or less — an effort that would likely demand increased transparency from colleges on how well schools are delivering on the government’s investment. But even if Biden doesn’t win, Carnevale said he expects Congressional Republicans will push for colleges to become less opaque.
First-year earnings for business degrees range from $20,000 to $100,000 The Center’s analysis of the data provides insights that could influence prospective students, depending on their interests. For example, the researchers found that first-year median earnings for students graduating with an bachelor’s degree in business administration can range from less than $20,000 to more than $100,000.
Students are increasingly focused on return on investment The focus on return on investment of degrees over the past several years has had consequences on students’ choices and on colleges’ approach to education.