There are a number of factors that have contributed to this overall trend. Firstly, the baby boomers – a demographic bulge of Americans born between 1946 and 1964 – are now reaching retirement age. This means that there are more people in the workforce who have a college degree than ever before. Secondly, the cost of attending college has risen significantly, meaning that students and their families are making a larger investment in their education and are therefore more likely to finish their studies. Finally, the benefits of having a college degree – both in terms of earnings potential and job security – have become more and more apparent in recent years.
So what does the future hold for college graduation rates in the United States?
The answer, unfortunately, is uncertain. The economy has been slowly recovering from the Great Recession of 2008, but wages have remained stagnant and the cost of attending college is still rising. This means that families are increasingly struggling to pay for their children’s education, and many students are forced to take on large amounts of debt in order to finance their studies.
What is certain, however, is that the college graduation rate will continue to be a highly important statistic in the United States. As the economy slowly improves, the value of a college degree is likely to increase, meaning that those who have one will be in a better position to secure good jobs and earn higher salaries. For students, this means that the stakes are higher than ever before – but so are the rewards.
According to a recent report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the overall US college graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 69.7% in 2017. This is up from 69.3% in 2016 and 68.8% in 2015. The increase is even more significant when you compare it to the historical graduation rate of just over 50% in 1970.
There are a number of factors driving this increase in college graduation rates. For one, the economy is increasingly demanding higher levels of education and skill. In fact, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 65% of all jobs in the US will require postsecondary education by 2030.
This means that those who have a college degree will be in a much better position to secure good jobs and earn higher salaries. For students, this means that the stakes are higher than ever before – but so are the rewards.
The Increasing Cost of Tuition
Another factor driving up college graduation rates is the increasing cost of tuition. As tuition prices continue to rise, students and their families are increasingly seeing the value of completing a college degree. After all, a college degree is still one of the best investments you can make, with graduates earning an average of $1 million more over their lifetimes than those without a degree.
Finally, colleges and universities are increasingly focused on improving graduation rates. This is due in part to pressure from the federal government, which has tied federal funding to graduation rates. But it’s also because schools know that graduates are more likely to be successful in their careers and to be engaged alumni, which is good for the school’s reputation.
So what does all of this mean for students?
US Post Secondary Education Statistics. Simply put, it means that if you’re considering going to college, now is the time. The economy is demanding it, tuition prices are high but the potential rewards are even higher, and colleges and universities are focused on helping students succeed.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to whether or not college is the right choice for you. But if you’re thinking about it, the data is clear: the time has never been better to get a college degree.
Joan Seifert es una educadora experimentada con más de 10 años de experiencia en enseñanza/educación. Con una profunda pasión por capacitar a los estudiantes de todas las edades y orígenes, ha dedicado su carrera a crear entornos de aprendizaje innovadores que fomenten el crecimiento personal, el pensamiento crítico y el éxito académico.
Ha sido reconocida por innumerables publicaciones o contribuciones a blogs educativos. También es una oradora, consultora y mentora solicitada que ha ayudado a innumerables educadores, estudiantes y organizaciones a alcanzar sus objetivos.
Ella cree que el aprendizaje debe ser una búsqueda de por vida, y está comprometida a inspirar a otros a abrazar el poder de la educación para transformar vidas y comunidades.