Ep. 112: How Should We Measure Post-College Outcomes?
Zakiya Ellis, a longtime policy expert, on whether we’re asking the right questions and have the right data.
For decades, colleges and universities enjoyed almost unquestioned public support as some of America’s most important institutions. Like most institutions, they’ve been knocked off that pedestal in recent years, amid growing questions not about whether higher education remains important but whether it’s available, affordable and valuable enough.
This week’s episode of The Key is the first in a three-part series on the concept of “value” in higher education, made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The topic has gotten increasing attention as college prices and student debt continue to rise and policy makers develop data showing the return on investment for specific academic programs.
Today’s episode looks at several recent surveys of public attitudes about higher education. Participants include Sophie Nguyen, senior policy analyst with New America’s Education Program, which publishes Varying Degrees and numerous other surveys about higher education; David Schleifer, vice president and director of research at Public Agenda, a national research organization; and Natasha Quadlin, an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and co-author of Who Should Pay? Higher Education, Responsibility, and the Public, published this year by the Russell Sage Foundation.
Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Editor Doug Lederman.
This episode was made possible by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
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Zakiya Ellis, a longtime policy expert, on whether we’re asking the right questions and have the right data.
This week’s episode of The Key explores whether the emergence of shorter-term and alternative credentials pose a threat—or offer salvation—to traditional colleges and universities.
Half of all graduates don’t work in jobs that require a bachelor’s degree. What can institutions do to best prepare their students for work?
Many students on college campuses struggle with substance use and abuse, but fewer have a supportive community they can turn to.
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