Benefits of college - By degrees

Abstract

Should everyone go to college? College graduates, especially STEM graduates, earn more than non-college graduates and are on average more productive than those not attending college. That does not mean, however, that a traditional baccalaureate degree is optimal for everyone, nor that most students should pursue STEM disciplines for financial reasons (for example, biological science majors on average earn less than many non-science majors). There are several risk factors in pursuing a degree, including high dropout rates, and those with mediocre academic preparation are particularly susceptible to having poor college outcomes. For some, non-degree postsecondary vocational training may be a better option.