This survey of young adults examines the decisions they make about work or college. We found the vast majority of young adults, of all races, strongly believe in the value of higher education. But the study raises questions about the shortage of high school counselors and the economic pressures felt by many young adults, especially minorities. The study also portrays the hit-or-miss career path experienced by those who enter the work force with a college or technical degree.
Research Studies: Education
- National Education Reports |
- State & Local Education Reports |
- Higher Education Reports |
- Additional Education Reports
Sharing the Dream: How Faculty, Families and Community Leaders Respond to Community College Reform
This Public Agenda report, prepared for the "Achieving the Dream" initiative to close achievement gaps at the nation's community colleges, offers insight into how the initiative's goals will be received by critical stakeholders in and around community colleges.
Squeeze Play: How Parents and the Public Look at Higher Education Today
A record number of Americans now say a college education is necessary for success in the workplace and the vast majority say costs should not prevent qualified students from attending. But more than half say college prices are rising faster than other expenses and 62 percent say many qualified students do not have the opportunity for a college education. Minority parents are significantly more concerned about college access. The report finds Americans are generally positive toward higher education, but there is evidence that this satisfaction is beginning to erode.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Squeeze Play Full Questionnaire | Powerpoint Presentation
Life After High School: Young People Talk about Their Hopes and Prospects
Public Attitudes on Higher Education: A Trend Analysis, 1993 to 2003
This analysis finds that parents of high school students are increasingly worried about access to college. African Americans and Hispanics are especially concerned about access. Among African Americans, there is a substantial increase in the number who say college education is a necessity. At the broadest level, however, attitudes about higher education have changed little, with the vast majority of Americans believing that a college education is more important than in the past and that we should not allow the price of higher education to keep qualified students out.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Meeting the Competition: College and University Presidents, Faculty, and State Legislators View the New Competitive Academic Arena
In interviews and group discussions with higher education officials and state legislators, we found a growing number say market forces and increased competition are reshaping academia. Yet there appear to be deep divisions between academics and legislators on how to respond. Many in higher education say disadvantaged students may be left out as institutions compete for the best students and most profitable programs with limited funding. Conducted for the Futures Project: Policy for Higher Education in a Changing World. 2002.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Great Expectations: How the Public and Parents -- White, African American and Hispanic -- View Higher Education
For most Americans, a college education has replaced the high school diploma as the gateway to the middle class, and we found African American and Hispanic parents are significantly more likely than whites to emphasize the value of higher education, not less. The public's focus isn't just on the credential but on the personal growth, skills and perspective that students take away from a college education. The public seems confident that anyone who really wants to go to college can find a way. But people acknowledge that poor families have a tougher time.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Doing Comparatively Well: Why the Public Loves Higher Education and Criticizes K-12
The first report to compare the public's perception of higher and lower education by examining the findings of a number of research projects. A report from The Institute for Educational Leadership, The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and Public Agenda. 1999. Available only by calling IEL at (202) 822-8405.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Taking Responsibility: Leaders' Expectations of Higher Education
Much has been said and written about the high cost of higher education. This Public Agenda survey reveals that employers, professors, government officials and higher ed administrators are no less perplexed by another problem on the nation's campuses: too many freshmen are not ready to take on college-level course work.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
The Price of Admission: The Growing Importance of Higher Education
Based on a nationwide telephone survey, this study explores Americans' views on the importance of higher education, its cost, and American's access to it. Prepared for the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, for copies call (408) 271-2699. Complete questionnaire results are available from Public Agenda for $20.00. 1998.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Enduring Values, Changing Concerns: What Californians Expect From Their Higher Education System
A reassessment of the views of Californians concerning their higher education system since 1993's The Closing Gateway (see below). Which attitudes were enduring and which changed in response to new developments within the State are examined. Available at no charge from CHEPC. Fax requests to 408-271-2697. Ask for Report #97-1.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Preserving the Higher Education Legacy: A Conversation with California Leaders
A follow-up to The Closing Gateway, this report is based on a series of in- depth interviews with 29 distinguished California leaders about California's higher education system. 1995. Available at no charge from CHEPC. Fax requests to 408-271-2697. Ask for Report #95-3.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
The Closing Gateway: Californians Consider Their Higher Education System
Striking findings about Californians' and other Americans' views on the importance and accessibility of higher education are examined. 1993. Available at no charge from CHEPC. Fax requests to 408-271-2697. Ask for Report #93-6.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: Life After High School Executive Summary | Statement from the College Board
Talk It Over