In this study, we investigate how college extracurricular activities influence students' early occupational outcomes. In particular, we examine how the type and number of extracurricular activities, as well as level of participation, influence occupational prestige and job satisfaction. Employing the three national databases, we compare the…

Employing NCES databases, we investigate how college selectivity influences job satisfaction and prestige from the 1970s to the 1990s and across different racial categories. We find that the effect of college selectivity has essentially disappeared over time and that minority students are particularly disadvantaged with respect to job satisfaction.

Corrects 1972 National Longitudinal Study data used in two earlier papers on education effects in subbaccalaureate labor markets. Corrections confirm most earlier findings. However, for men, the effects of vocational associate degrees are insignificant, whereas the effects of vocational credits earned are significant. Economic benefits may accrue…

Refutes Grubb's conclusions that two-year college students who do not complete degrees earn more than high school graduates and that degrees only indirectly lead to higher earnings. Shows that even noncompleters earn significantly more. Grubb responds that it matters what kind of college credits noncompleters earn. (SK)

Since President Obama took office, he has repeatedly called for the United States to significantly improve its postsecondary education performance. One goal in particular has gained wide attention: the President's declaration that in an ever more competitive global marketplace, the United States must once again lead the world in college…

Data from the 1979 follow-up of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 suggested that early career experiences of undergraduate humanities majors differed little from contemporaries in other liberal arts fields, but contrasted with those in which job-major fit was better or pay higher. (Author/MLW)

Reviews the usefulness of existing national longitudinal studies in determining the effects of vocational education. It is clear that there is no unified vocational education program and that students in these programs differ markedly from those in other curricula. (SK)

First jobs and career attainments soon after graduation of college graduates with baccalaureate degrees in the humanities were studied. Outcomes for humanities majors were also compared to social science, business, and education majors, as well as graduates who majored in interdisciplinary studies in the liberal arts and sciences. Data were…

Using data from three longitudinal surveys of American high school students, shows that vocational courses helped noncollege-bound students start their work life more successfully. Short- and medium-term payoffs to vocational courses rose substantially between 1972 and 1980 and remained high in 1992. Job-specific skills are valuable. (26…

Reports on a study of the apparently paradoxical absence of background socioeconomic status (SES) effects on school continuation by college graduates. Finds results consistent with earlier studies of SES impact on schooling and explains the absence of parental SES effects on schooling beyond college. (CFR)

A study was conducted to determine the process by which recent high school graduates enter the labor market, seek and find jobs, migrate from one type of location to another, and the extent to which they are able to further their career objectives via job and location mobility. In addition, the role of the education system in the school-to-work…

A study that compared occupational attainment before and after adult education shows that economic background and participation in education as an adult does not help blacks attain better jobs as much as it helps whites. Thus, the occupational attainment of blacks is not significantly related to their participation in education after age 25. The…

The relationship between starting wage rates and level of education attained by young adults was studied, based on findings of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972. According to 1972-1979 data, the greater the educational attainment of the young adults, the higher their starting wage rates. Although the wage rates of…

A study evaluated the labor market outcomes of individuals with various types of postsecondary educational experiences. In particular, it examined differences among three groups: students who pursued technical education programs; those who pursued academic programs; and those individuals who did not pursue any type of postsecondary education. The…

The effects of school factors on occupational attainment of black students were studied based on data from the 1972 National Longitudinal Study (NLS) and its 1980 followup and the 1980 High School and Beyond (HSB) study and its 1982 followup. The sample sizes were as follows: 319 NLS females, 167 NLS males, 324 HSB females, and 259 HSB males.…