Introduction

As we progress into the 21st century, many scholars and policymakers are calling for all workers to participate in some sort of postsecondary educational opportunity and/or training. Postsecondary education is delivered at universities and colleges, community colleges, technical institutes, proprietary schools, and other institutions that provide academic or skill training beyond secondary schooling. In addition to education that extends beyond high school, this country has a large adult basic education/literacy enterprise.

Issues

• What are the economic returns to postsecondary education by type of institution or program of study?
• What are the payoffs to workplace literacy programs for workers and for employers?
• What is the role of public support for postsecondary educational activities?
• What are the economic returns to certification of postsecondary educational activities?

Selected Institute Research

Worker Signals among New College Graduates: The Role of Selectivity and GPA
Brad Hershbein, Upjohn Institute
Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 13-190, January 2013

The Impacts of Macomb Community College on the Economy of Macomb County
George A. Erickcek, Upjohn Institute
Kevin Hollenbeck, Upjohn Institute
Upjohn Institute Report, July 2012

Lessons Learned from a State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program
Kevin Hollenbeck, Upjohn Institute
Bridget Timmeney, Upjohn Institute
Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 09-146, March 2009

Do Community Colleges Respond to Local Needs? Evidence from California
Duane E. Leigh, Washington State University
Andrew M. Gill, California State University, Fullerton
Upjohn Institute Press, 2007

“Boosting the Economy through Career and Technical Education”
Kevin Hollenbeck, Upjohn Institute
Employment Research 16(3):9, 2009

More Institute Research about Postsecondary Education