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Community Colleges Pave the Way to Upward Economic Mobility for Millions of Americans, Particularly Low-Income Students
October 20, 2009A report released today by Pew's Economic Mobility Project shows that community colleges are an important stepping stone for students of all backgrounds, income levels and high school achievements to improve their economic mobility prospects. Earning a community college degree boosts earnings by an average of $7,900 annually, an increase of 29 percent over those with only a high school diploma. For low-income, high-achieving high school students in particular, community colleges serve as a springboard to further postsecondary education; more than half eventually transfer to four-year programs, and three-quarters of those who transfer earn a bachelor's degree. Strengthening Community Colleges' Influence on Economic Mobility was authored by Diana Furchtgott-Roth of the Hudson Institute and Louis Jacobson and Christine Mokher of CNA. "With unemployment at its highest point in 30 years, policymakers should look for ways to broaden the opportunities for high school graduates to have economic success. Support of community colleges is a key piece of this puzzle," said Ianna Kachoris, manager of the Economic Mobility Project. Full release.