The postsecondary landscape has never been more complex than it is today, and it continues to change at a rapid pace. The number of occupations in the US more than tripled from 1950 to 2010, and postsecondary programs of study in US colleges and universities have grown more than five-fold since 1980.
Occupations
Number of occupations grew from
270 to 840
(1950 to 2010)
Programs of study
Number of postsecondary programs of study grew from
410 to 2,260
(1985 to 2010)
Institutions
Number of colleges and universities grew from
1,850 to 4,720
(1950 to 2014)
College students
Number of college students grew from
2.4M to 20.2M
(1985 to 2010)
This complexity makes it incredibly difficult for students to fully understand theirpostsecondary options and the long-term consequences of the college and careerdecisions they are making at a relatively young age.
It used to be sufficient to advise students to study hard, get good grades, get a degree,and then get a job. However, students today need better guidance systems to helpthem make smart decisions about their futures.
Our newest research provides a road map for district leaders looking to help their students make sense of their post-high school life. It delves into what type of guidance leaders should give their students, what the job market looks like for workers with different educational backgrounds, how to prepare students for jobs of the future, and more.
Is a bachelor's degree still a worthwhile investment?It seems nearly impossible to read the news today without seeing headlines andarticles questioning the…