REGENTS REPORT
REGENTS REPORT
The Social Value of Higher Education
A Look at Community Benefits Related to Increased Education
Recent data from a number of sources have shown the value of higher education for its recipients in terms of greater lifetime earnings and reduced likelihood of unemployment. But how do communities and our society at large benefit from an individual’s pursuit of post-secondary education? The following information shows that there are strong correlations between increased educational attainment and civic participation, reduced welfare dependency, and participation in adult education. Social Correlates of Higher Education--What Are They? In 1992, 17.1% of high school dropouts aged 25-34 received AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or other public assistance. By contrast, only .5% of 25-34 year-olds with at least a bachelor’s degree received similar assistance.
SOURCE: Bureau of the Census; U.S. Department of Education (NCES 95-787)
In 1990-91, 52% of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree participated in some form of adult/continuing education, nearly four times the participation rate of 14% for high school dropouts.
SOURCE: Bureau of the Census; U.S. Department of Education (NCES 95-787)
In the 1992 presidential election, 81% of registered voters having at least a bachelor’s degree reported turning out to vote, nearly double the 41.2% turnout rate for high school dropouts.
SOURCE: Bureau of the Census; U.S. Department of Education (NCES 95-787)
CONCLUSION--Increased educational attainment holds a number of benefits for those
achieving it-- economic, social, and intellectual, among others. As the preceding
information reveals, pursuit of post- secondary education also stands to benefit the
community and society in general, through decreased reliance on welfare and increased
participation in civic affairs and continuing education.
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