The Causes and Consequences of Enrollments in Higher Education: Evidence From the National Longitudinal Study of the Class of 1972. Final Report.

Overview & Synopsis

An examination of the probability of enrolling in postsecondary education, the likelihood of completing various types of credentials, and the effects of these credentials on wage rates, earnings, and other adult outcomes was conducted using data derived from the National Longitudinal Study of the Class of 1972. The followup survey in 1986 suggested that while enrollment in postsecondary education has been stable, or in some cases increased, the probability of completing a B.A. degree declined. There was shown to be an increased tendency to drop out of postsecondary education, particularly among minority students. Finally, the study indicated that the rate at which adults are enrolling in higher education has apparently increased, but it was difficult to detect the benefits, either economic or non-economic, for this group. It is concluded that postsecondary education has failed to materialize the great promise of economic and other benefits historically assigned to getting advanced degrees, while higher education policy pretends that the postsecondary market works, with well-informed students facing a labor market that can absorb all its graduates. Includes supporting bibliography of 104 reference. (GLR)