TDNet Discover

The purpose of this quantitative study is to test the relationship between degree choice and post-graduate outcomes for students in the United States by describing the relationship between a selected major and post-graduate outcomes including employment sector, salary for women and men. As college costs rise, and enrollments fall for the first time in modern history, higher education institutions are being held increasingly accountable by government organizations, accreditors, and society for outcomes of their graduates. Both consumers and providers of higher education must reconsider the current process of degree selection and obtain a deeper understanding of how degree choice affects post-graduation economic outcomes. Insights gained through the U.S. Census Bureau’s National Survey of College Graduates 2021 data can help inform stakeholders regarding the importance of the degree selection process, including how major choice is related to post-graduation salary and job-industry alignment. Further, improved understanding of the relationship between majors, post-graduation salaries, and job alignment to desired industry sectors for both women and men can help higher education consumers develop appropriate expectations prior to selecting a major. This proposed study calls for improved student support and increased transparency by higher education institutions early in the student academic journey and degree selection process and seeks to provide clear information for consumers about how choice of major impacts economic outcomes. Planned variables for analysis include education field major group, employment sector, salary, and gender of college graduates who completed degrees after January 1, 2020.