Poll Response Mixed on Higher Ed

Despite concerns over whether postsecondary schools can prepare graduates for jobs in the real world, the public still feels there is value in pursuing higher education. Sort of.

In a new poll from the research group New America, a majority of respondents agreed “a college degree leads to better job opportunities than a high-school diploma,” according to a report in The Chronicle of Higher Education. A large percentage (78% of respondents who said they were Republicans and 84% of those who voted Democrat) also were “comfortable” with tax money being used to fund colleges and universities.

However, although the respondents had a more favorable view of community colleges in general as well as the institutions in their local vicinity, they weren’t so sure about other schools in the higher-ed universe. Just 25% of respondents were satisfied with the current state of higher education.

The biggest reason was cost. Thirty-eight percent of respondents viewed college attendance overall as too costly, yet 81% thought community colleges were “worth the cost.” The findings suggest that the public perceives community-college coursework as more directly tied to job requirements than four-year institutions.

Only 12% indicated a college education should be free for all students.

Colleges Pave Paths to Employment

Critics pointing to student debt and graduates with no careers are forcing colleges and universities to defend the value of their degrees. Some are responding with new programs intended to ensure more grads land well-paying positions.

City Colleges of Chicago just announced a new partnership with PepsiCo to reserve up to 40 technician and mechanic jobs in transportation, distribution, and manufacturing for its students. Those enrolled in degree or certificate programs will also receive workplace readiness training from PepsiCo and will be able to participate in the company’s prep sessions for its screening process.

PepsiCo also committed to hosting a series of hiring events specifically for City Colleges students and local residents. The partnership creates a pipeline to funnel City Colleges grads into high-skill work needed by the company.

DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, unveiled the DePauw Gold Commitment, guaranteeing each graduate “a successful launch” into the working world. Those that don’t have a job or grad school placement (or aren’t pursuing “a path of their choosing”) within six months of graduation can come back for a semester of additional free tuition. DePauw is also partnering with companies to provide six-month entry-level positions to give these students a leg up on gaining job experience.

In order to secure the Gold Commitment, incoming DePauw students signing up for the program as freshmen “will be expected to begin preparing for life after college in their first semester, participate fully in all the opportunities available to them, graduate within four years, and conduct themselves as good citizens during their college experience.”