Articles

 

(October 2005) Pennsylvania boasts a wealth of higher education resources spread across the state: 130 colleges and universities with an enrollment of about 590,000, and more than 323 private licensed schools with more than 57,000 students. How well do Pennsylvanians put these resources to good use? IssuesPA examined the facts and perceptions of higher education and its role in raising the level of prosperity for citizens and the economy.

 

 

Despite the large number of colleges and other institutions of higher education in the state, actual participation in higher education among Pennsylvanians is mixed. As the chart below shows, the state does pretty well when it comes to people going directly from high school to college, and colleges and universities in Pennsylvania also attract students from other states and countries. However, once people get past "normal" college age, participation drops off dramatically. The net result is a population that participates in higher education at a slightly lower rate than the nation as a whole.

 

While their participation rates are near average, once Pennsylvanians start their higher education, they are more likely to complete their degree than is the national average. Pennsylvania ranks 4th and 5th highest nationally for graduation rates for associates’ and bachelors’ degrees.

When compared to other states, Pennsylvanians maintain a high ranking (14th) for people getting their bachelor’s degree. Conversely, fewer people graduate with an associate’s degree than the national average.

 

 

The IssuesPA/Pew poll conducted in September surveyed Pennsylvanians on the topic of higher education and its relationship to their employment and career. According to poll results, Pennsylvanians believe higher education is a key to success. When asked if they were looking for a new job or a better job, 87% of those surveyed said getting additional job-related education or skills training would improve their chances - either a lot or somewhat. They also said the level of education needed for jobs in the next 10 years would be high. More than two-thirds said they believe at least a 2-year degree or skills certificate from a community college would be necessary.

 

Those surveyed supported their high values of higher education by citing job/career advancement and pay increase as the two most important reasons why people they know went back to school. However, despite the stated awareness of these advantages, 62% said it was ’not too likely’ or ’not likely at all’ that they would go back to school within the next five years.

 

 

There are mixed signals.

 

According to poll results, Pennsylvanians place a high value on higher education, particularly when it comes to careers and job advancement. They pursue higher education and graduate in the years immediately following high school at rates higher than the national average.

 

However, Pennsylvanians fall short of the national average when it comes to actually continuing their education as working adults.

 

What’s probably needed is more of both. Being competitive in today’s changing economy requires not only higher levels of education at the beginning of a career but a continual upgrading of skills. State and local government policies should pay greater attention to the less traditional forms of higher education, especially those that result in short term certificates, degrees and skill upgrades for people already of working age, if Pennsylvania is to be competitive in those industries employing new technologies and processes.

 

Just how much is cost a factor in higher education? Click here for information and opinions on financing higher education.