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With Teir Whole LivesAhead o Tem
Myhs a Ras A Why S May Ss Fa Fsh C
A PubliC AgendA RePoRt FoR tHe bill & MelindA gAteS FoundAtion
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With their Whole lives AheAd o them
by Ja Jhs a J Rchk wh Amr n. o a Samaha dP
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introduction ..............................................................................................................2
myth And reAlity no. 1 ............................................................................................5
myth And reAlity no. 2 ............................................................................................9
myth And reAlity no. 3 .......................................................................................... 12
myth And reAlity no. 4 .......................................................................................... 15
so WhAt Would help? ............................................................................................. 18
About the study .......................................................................................................22
ull survey results ...............................................................................................23
chArActeristics o the sAmple ..........................................................................44
our thAnKs ................................................................................................................47
About the bill & melindA GAtes oundAtion ..................................................47
About public AGendA ..............................................................................................48
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 1
With Teir Whole LivesAhead o Tem
Myhs a Ras A Why S May Ss Fa Fsh C
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w g g a a w-a gaaw a.1 t a a a -a , w
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2 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
introduction
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Why do students leAve
school Without inishinG?Te question bedeviling many o those concerned about
higher education and the economy is why so many
college students drop out. Some 2.8 million students
enroll in some orm o higher education each all, in
two- and our-year programs and in public, private,
online, and or-prot institutions.4 Tese young people
are motivated enough to start college, and somehow they
manage to nd sucient resources to enroll, but getting
a college ID card, buying the books and showing up or
class doesnt mean they are poised to complete a degree.What exactly goes wrong?
Several thought-provoking studies have looked at the
question in recent years and advanced many possible
explanations: rising tuition costs, poor academic prepara-
tion and study skills, minimal student support and
advisory services in higher education, too many young
people going to college even though they really do not
want to, and too many proessors and advisers complain-
ing because, as they see it, completion is the students
responsibility.
5
Leaders debate dierent ways to tacklethe problem. Some want to provide more nancial
support and better services or students. Others ocus
on revamping higher education policies and programs
in ways that would encourage more young people to
complete a degree or certicate.
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem asks young
Americans why so many college students drop out. Tis
study is designed to test the assumptions many o us
make about college students today and why so many o
them ail to graduate. It also helps to identiy solutions
that young people themselves say would help most. With
underwriting rom the Bill & Melinda Gates Founda-
tion, Public Agenda surveyed more than 600 young
adults, ages 22 to 30, who had at least some higher
education coursework. We asked those who started
college but did not complete a degree why they let,
and we compared their views, experiences and responses
with those o students who had successully completed
a two- or our-year college program. More detailed
inormation about how we conducted the study can be
ound at http://www.publicagenda.org/theirwholelives
aheadothem/methodology.
1 u.s. da ea, naa c ea sa, ipeds 20062007, Gaa ra .
2 u.s. da ea, naa c ea sa, 1996/01, bgg pa s lga s.
3 ://www.w.g/__/e---p-ak--Wa-mga-a-a----Aa-Gaa-
ia/.
4 dg ea sa, i ea s, 2008.
5 s, a: bw, cg a mp, Crossing the Finish Line: Completing College at Americas Public Universities, p
u p, 2009. A: h a s, da a d: W cg Aa Gaa t s (a W d),
Aa e i, J 3, 2009.
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todAys colleGe
students: not necessArilyWhAt you expect
As background to the survey ndings, it may be helpul
to begin with a clearer picture o college students today.
Many o us envision young people living in college
dorms, going to school ull-time, attending ball games
and raternity parties, maybe working a ew hours a week
or in the summer to bring in a little spare cash. In high
school, perhaps, they dreamed about going to a particular
school, lled out application ater application and waited
eagerly or the acceptance letter to arrive. Te acts,though, show quite a dierent picture:
Amongstudentsinfour-yearschools,45percentwork more than 20 hours a week.6
Amongthoseattendingcommunitycolleges,6 in 10 work more than 20 hours a week, andmore than a quarter work more than 35 hoursa week.7
Just25percentofstudentsattendthesorto residential college we oten envision.8
Twenty-threepercentofcollegestudentshave
dependent children.9
hoW should hiGher
educAtion respond?Given these realities, its not surprising that when Public
Agenda surveyed young people about what led them to
leave college earlyand what would help them to return
and nishwe got some surprising answers. With Teir
Whole Lives Ahead o Tem oers rsthand testimony
rom young people about the barriers they ace trying
to earn a degree or credential. It is testimony that, we
believe, poses a moral challenge to higher education and
the country as a whole. I we truly aim to help this new
group o nontraditional students ulll their aspirations,college and university ocials, state and ederal policy-
makers, employers, oundations and other advocates
trying to ramp up college completion need to take a
resh, clear-eyed look at their current assumptions and
practices. Te ndings here reveal gaps in the higher
education system that serve to undercut the eorts o
students who need to work and go to school at the same
time. Tey raise serious questions about long-standing
policies that seem prooundly ill suited to students who
simply cannot aord to go to school ull-time or several
years. Tey powerully suggest the need or innovativeresponses that would help more young Americans
continue their education, but in better-organized and
more cost-eective programs. Te results o this research
pose a challenge.
h a g
.
6 u.s. da ea, 20072008 naa pa s A s; va oz a na K. ca, Wk l, s
m & s: hw aa s ca i pa s, d, 2009.
7 i.
8 u.s. da ea, naa c ea sa, 2008, naa pa s A s, a w
a a.
9 i.
4 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
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Te number one reason students give or leaving school
is the act that they had to work and go to school at the
same time and, despite their best eorts, the stress o
trying to do both eventually took its toll. More than halo those who let higher ed beore completing a degree or
a certicate say that the need to work and make money
while attending classes is the major reason they let.
Balancing work and school was an even bigger barrier
than nding money or tuition. Tose who dropped out
are almost twice as likely to cite problems juggling work
and school as their main problem as they are to blame
tuition bills (54 percent to 31 percent).
Te problem oten begins in the rst year. O those
who ail to graduate, more than 6 in 10 report that thestatement I had to work as well, and it was too stressul
trying to do both described their rst year o school;
more than a third say it describes their rst year a lot.
In contrast, nearly hal o those who graduated
(48 percent) say this statement doesnt describe their
rst year in school at all.10
Few ormer students say they let college because they
were bored or ound that college just isnt or them.
Only about 1 in 10 students who have let college say
a major reason they quit was that they didnt like sitting
in class or thought the classes were too dicult.
WorK is the top reAson younGAdults Give or not returninGto colleGe once they leAve.
More than a third (36 percent) o those who let school
say that even i they had a grant that ully paid or tuition
and books, it would be hard to go back. And twice as
many o them say the need to work ull-time
MYTH NO. 1: m g g -. i a w a g, a w a a wa wk a.
REALITY NO. 1: m a g a a wkg a gg a a . A , wk a j .
10 A pw ha a a ag ha 74 ha ag 1625 a g
a i a. s ://wa.g///115..
myth And reAlity no. 1
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myth And reAlity no. 1
(56 percent) and amily commitments (53 percent)
are major reasons they cant go back, compared with
26 percent who say they would not be able to aord
college. In the ocus groups, young people oten de-
scribed their predicaments. A young woman in Seattle
said, Yeah, I think [working and going to school] was
hard. You want to work so that you can help pay o [your
tuition and loans] so you dont have this accumulating
debt. I think, or me, it always got in the way. I didnt
have enough time in the day to get everything done.
A young woman rom the Phoenix area who had
dropped out but recently returned to classes told us,
Its very hard because I go to school three nights a week.
I work rom 8 to 5. I dont get home until 9:30, 10 at
night I also think my dedication to my classes could
be better i I didnt work as much. A young man in Erie,
Pennsylvania, who hoped to return to school described
his ears that he might never get a diploma: Te reason
why Im set back is because I got a wie, kids. My wies
doing her thing. Once shes done with that then she can
stay at home and take the side job, whatever that shes
doing. Ten I can do my thing at school, and then once
Im done well have the jobs.
Many o the young people we interviewed believed that
they could not aord not to work or the time it would
take to complete a degree. Tey had to have a paying job
to make ends meet. Far rom being slackers, as some
people imagine, they were oten assuming responsibilities
and nancial burdens that traditional ull-time college
students do not have to shoulder. It is a test o maturity
and perseverance that more auent students are usually
not required to ace.
Such responses to our survey are a bracing reminder
that the world o higher education has changed markedly
over the years. For many students today, the experience
o going to college is a ar cry rom that o the stereo-
typicalJoeCollegesooftenseeninthemoviesandon
television. For these students, the balancing act is not
between going to class and attending ootball games and
rat parties; its more likely between going to class and
punching a clock in order to pay the rent. Teirs is a
dilemma that relatively ew government or higher
education programs readily address.
6 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
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t w a aag wk a a g a.
0 20 40 60 80 100
I found it hard to live away from home
I had a hard time writing college papers
I was not used to having so much freedom
I was overwhelmed by the amount of studying I had to do
I found it hard to pay attention in class
I spent too much time socializing and not enoughtime studying
I had to work as well, and it was too stressfultrying to do both
The cost of textbooks and other fees besidestuition affected me financially
18%8% 10%
22%
4%
18%
36%12% 24%
38%11% 27%
29%13% 16%
50%17% 33%
46%16% 30%
50%12% 38%
43%18% 25%
38%9% 29%
47%23% 24%
50%14% 36%
63%35% 28%
52%26% 26%
60%36% 24%
58%23% 35%
Thinking about your first year in school, please tellme if the following describes you:
GraduatedDid not graduate
A little
A lot
A little
A lot
myth And reAlity no. 1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Some of the classes were too difficult
I didnt like sitting in class
All things considered, it just didnt seem to be worththe money I was paying
I thought many of the classes were boring
I didnt have enough time for my family
I had to take too many classes that I did notthink were useful
I needed a break from school
I just couldnt afford the tuition and fees
I needed to go to work and make money
Minor reasonMajor reason
Percent who say the following is a reason whythey did not complete their program:
71%
52%
54%
43%
41%
45%
35%
38%
34%
54%
31%
21%
16%
16%
14%
14%
10%
11%
17%
21%
33%
27%
25%
31%
21%
24%
27%
hag wk a ga g w .
bas: 2230-yar-s wh cmp hrpsscary ca. bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 7
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s avaa h F Srvy Rss a h f hs rpr. Prcas may qa100 prc w r r h mss f sm aswr cars.
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myth And reAlity no. 1
a a wk a a a wa ak g ak.
0 20 40 60 80 100
I dont think any college would accept me
No school near me seems to have a program thatI am really interested in
No school near me has classes that fit my schedule
I still would not be able to afford college
I have family commitments
I really need to work full-time, and I dont think I couldwork and go to school at the same time
75%
72%
55%
48%
32%
22%
56%
53%
26%
17%
7%
14%
19%
19%
29%
31%
15%
18%
Percent who say the following is a reason why itwould still be hard for them to go back to school:
Minor reasonMajor reason
m w a a g agg ak
65%
9%
2%
24%
How much thought have you given to goingback to schoola lot of thought, some thought
or no thought at all?
Some thought
A lot of thought
Dont know
No thought at all
bas: 2230-yar-s wh cmp hrpsscary ca.
bas: 2230-yar-s wh f sch a saha v f a ks wr pa fr, w har rr.
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MYTH NO. 2: m g a a a ak aaag a aaa a, a, a ag a.
REALITY NO. 2: yg w a g a gg a aa.t a g g .
REASON NO. 2:I Have to Pay My Own Way
According to one recent analysis, college costs have
risen more than 400 percent in the last 25 years, while
the median amily income has increased less than 150
percent.11 And even though the pressure o having tobalance the demands o a job and school is the major
reason young people say they drop out o college, it
would be misleading to dismiss the role o rising college
costs and stagnant amily incomes. National statistics
show that young people who leave college without a
degree are more likely than their peers to come rom less
privileged backgrounds and to live in more precarious
economic circumstances.12 Tis study revealed that these
students oten bear the ull responsibility o paying or
school: Nearly 6 in 10 students in our study who lethigher education without graduating say that they had
to pay or college costs themselves, rather than being able
to count on help rom their amilies. In contrast, more
than 6 in 10 o those who completed their degrees say
they had help rom parents or other relatives to cover
the costs o school.
11 t naa c p p a ea, mag u 2008 ; va oz a na K. ca, Wk l, s m,
& s: hw aa s ca i pa s, d, 2009.
12 e a eag r, ba la sa, Ag 2009.
myth And reAlity no. 2
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a w aa a wa w a .
0 20 40 60 80 100
In their first year, they had to work as well while in school
and it was stressful to do both (described them a lot)
Their parents always instilled the importance of
higher education (described them closely)
They would have attended a different school if money
were not an issue
Their parents' highest degree is a high school
diploma or less
They selected their school because it had a class schedule
that worked with their own schedule (major reason)
They did not have a scholarship or financial aid
to help pay for college
They chose their college based on its proximity
to where they live or work (major reason)
38%
21%
39%
60%
46%
37%
50%
21%
54%
37%
62%
49%
62%
45%
Percent of students who say:
Students whose parents
or other relatives helped
pay for college
Students whose parents
or other relatives did
not help pay for college
t w a k a a
0 20 40 60 80 100
Loans of some sort
A scholarship or financial aid
Parents or other relatives
58%
69%
69%
37%
43%
51%
Percent who did not have the following to help pay
for post secondary education:
GraduatedDid not graduate
myth And reAlity no. 2
bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.
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myth And reAlity no. 2
Young people who ail to nish college are also substan-
tially less likely to have received scholarships or nancial
aid, loans or even good advice about how to get help.
About 7 in 10 o those who leave school report that they
did not have scholarships or nancial aid, compared with
about 4 in 10 o those who graduate. Te majority o
students (62 percent) who told us that they alone were
responsible or paying or college (regardless o whether
they dropped out) report that their high school guidance
counselors did a poor or only air job o helping them to
understand the college application process. Among
students who had nancial support rom their parents,
less than hal said the same.
Unortunately, about 3 in 10 o those young people
who leave school without getting a diploma report that
they have college loansmoney that has to be repaid
even though they do not have the nancial leg up that
a college degree aords. In many respects, they have the
worst o both worldsno diploma, but college loans
to repay.
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MYTH NO. 3: m g g a g g a aa aa.
REALITY NO. 3: Ag w gaa, g a a aa a .
In recent years, the media have been awash with
can you believe it? stories about the college selection
and application process and the stress it engenders in
auent amilies. According to the coverage, amilies areorganizing summer vacations around visiting colleges.
High school students are lling out dozens o applica-
tions, sometimes with a coach whose job it is to help
them present themselves at their best. A cottage industry
o publications, Web sites and experts oers advice on
selecting the right college and getting into it.
But according to this survey, many young Americans
and especially those who ail to get a diplomabarely
go through any college selection process at all. Teir
options may be quite limited because they do not havethe nancial resources to go away to school and/or they
are able to consider only those options that mesh with
their job schedules and amily responsibilities. In many
instances, college selection is more constrained and
happenstance than deliberate choice.13 Among those who
did not complete college, two-thirds say they selected
their school primarily or its convenient location, nearly6 in 10 because its schedule worked with theirs and
57 percent because the tuition and ees were aordable.
A third based their choice on the academic reputation o
the school and only a quarter on recommendations rom
riends and amily.
Given that students who drop out o college are ar
more likely to come rom amilies in which neither
parent has a college degree, the minimal role played by
recommendations rom riends and amily may not be
surprising. Perhaps most notable is that when respon-dents who dropped out o college were asked about the
most important reason they chose their school, a third
named convenience or proximity to their home.
13 ra a w a a g a w a g aa aag
, w-a a wa -a g. s, a: nagaka, rk a ca, ba cg
Aa: l cag, t c cag s ra a u cag, Jaa 2009.
myth And reAlity no. 3
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t w a k a w g a a a a aa.
Prc wh say h fw s a majr ras why hy sc hr sch:
myth And reAlity no. 3
bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.
did not GrAduAte
i wa a w i wk
66%
i a a a awk w
59%
t a w aa
57%
i g gg w g a g j a i gaa
54%
i az aj a j i wa
54%
i wa a i w aa gg a
43%
t aa aa a
41%
t a aaa
33%
ra a
25%
i wa awa
11%
GrAduAted
i g gg w g a g j a i gaa
57%
t a w aa
56%
i az aj
a j i wa
54%
t a aaa
54%
i wa a w i wk
45%
i wa a i w aa gg a
39%
t aa aa a
38%
i a a a awk w
36%
ra a
29%
i wa awa
22%
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In Seattle, a woman who had let college said, I just
picked [the school] that was close to where I lived and
that a couple o my riends were going to. In Phoenix,
a man told us, It was ASU [Arizona State University]
that I chose, partly because o cost and partly just because
o proximity, because ASU is really the easiest school or
me to get to rom where I live.
For students who successully complete their degrees,
the selection process is dramatically and substantively
dierent: Teir top reasons or choosing their school
include that the school oered a desired program or
major, the belie that going to the school will help
them secure a good job and the schools academic
reputation.Tuitionandfeesareimportantconsiderations
or any college student today, but among those who
dropped out, the selection process seems more a matter
o chance or location, not the pursuit o a specic goal
or uture career.
myth And reAlity no. 3
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MYTH NO. 4: s w gaa a a a g g a q a a- ag w .
REALITY NO. 4: s w a g az a a a a a, a gz a g w a .
REASON NO. 2:I Have to Pay My Own Way
Tis survey leaves little doubt that young Americans
who dropped out o college oten aced the double-
edged challenge o working to make a living and going
to school at the same time. Whats more, many seemto have drited into college without a specic goal or
purpose beyond hoping or a better job or a better
uture. But do those who ail to graduate have the same
urgency about getting a degree as those who do graduate?
Do they see the attainment o a degree as something
essential to their uture, something that requires whatever
sacrice and eort may be required?
Tis study and others have shown persuasively that most
young people acknowledge that having a college degree
will pay o in the end. Most also say they have receiveda air amount o encouragement to go to college rom
amily, school and other sources.14 Yet the ndings here
suggest that young people who leave college beore
nishing are somewhat less likely to hold these views
passionately. Tat is, as a group they are less likely to
strongly agree that their parents always instilled in them
the importance o college, less likely to strongly agreethat people who have a college degree make more money
and less likely to say they would still go to college i they
knew they could get a good job without a degree.
And, again, although most young people who drop
out say that going to college was their plan even in high
school, the numbers are slightly weaker than or those
who successully completed their degrees. Students who
ail to graduate are 16 percentage points less likely to say
that they always knew they would continue to college
and 15 points less likely than those who completedcollege to say that their teachers and counselors probably
thought they would go to college immediately ater
high school.
14 l A hg s, p Aga, 2004.
myth And reAlity no. 4
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a a w w w g a gg.
0 20 40 60 80 100
My teachers and counselors in high school probablythought I would go to college right after high school
When you were in high school, you always knewyou were going to continue on to higher education
68%
67%
83%
83%
Percent who agree that:
GraduatedDid not graduate
maj a g a a, w a k
0 20 40 60 80 100
I went to my college/school because myparents always instilled in me the importanceof higher education
I know many people who make a good living whodo not have a college degree
In the long run, you will make more money if youhave a college degree
I would still make the decision to go to schoolbecause what you learn there is so important
52%
43%
50%
66%
77%
90%
40%
57%
Percent who agree strongly that:
GraduatedDid not graduate
myth And reAlity no. 4
bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.
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myth And reAlity no. 4
Te dierences here are subtle. Students who drop out
o college are only slightly less likely to endorse the
benets o higher education or to say that attaining a
degree has always been their plan. In some respects, this
may be a natural outcome o having let collegeater
all, one needs to believe that he or she still has a good
uture ahead. Nevertheless, though these response
variations are relatively small, they may play a role in a
students ultimate decision to leave school. For someone
who is scrambling to work and attend classes at the same
time and has taken on the burden o paying part or all
o his or her own way, even a small amount o uncer-
tainty could be the tipping point. Or, as an old Spanish
expression has it, it could be the drop o water that nally
makes the glass overfow.
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m a aa a ag g
a a akg a aaa a kg . b a aj g w a
a g w a g (, , a a
a) a w g
f a ga ag wkg
a gg a a . eg 10 w
g w a a w ak
g gaa a: 1) akg a-
g aa a (81 a w a );
a 2) g g a wk a
wkg w akg a (78 a w
a ).
18 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
so WhAt Would help?
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O course, theres little doubt that changes in costs and
an expansion o the availability o nancial aid would
be enormously helpul to nearly all college students
those who complete their programs as well as those who
struggle to do so. When young adults were asked to name
which among our list o proposals would be most likely
to help them and people like them, 25 percent o those
who dropped out and 40 percent o those with degrees
suggest as their top priority cutting the cost o college
by a quarter.
Would A colleGe
ever do thAt?Nearly two-thirds o young Americans who let college
without nishing say that they have given a lot o
thought to returning. In the ocus groups, almost to
a person, these young people talked about their aspira-
tions and the hopes or their lives. A woman in Erie,
Pennsylvania, described her dream: I want the 8 to 5
[job], no weekends. I want the set schedule. I want the
job thats indoors, nicer, and the majority o the time,
i you want to move up in a job like that, you got to
have a degree. A young woman in Seattle who aspiredto become a teacher but had let school beore getting
her degree said, I have to nish school. Im already
working with kids. Ive worked in a day care or over
six years. I have the experience. I just need to go back
to school. Nearly every young person we talked to
shared his or her desire to do more in lie. Yet despite
their dreams, many were working in jobs that didnt
seem to oer any way to get where they want to go.
Tis study revealed some eminently practical steps that
schools could take to benet this group, beyond simply
oering more and bigger loans to help pay tuition costs.
Having enough money or tuition and books is step
one, to be sure, but by itsel that step may not provide
the breathing space that many o these young people
need to stay the course. Numerous responses suggest
that one set o solutions might revolve around making
part-time attendance more viable by giving those
students better access to loans, tuition assistance and
health carebenets and services that are requently
available only to ull-time students.
Tere may also be implications or employers. Are
there ways that businesses can help part-time workers
to pursue higher education, perhaps by providing access
to health benets or by oering more predictable
working hours so that would-be students can more
easily schedule their classes? Part-time work is oten
seasonal or otherwise vulnerable to the business cycle
and other economic ups and downs. Would more secure
part-time employment options be a game changer or
some students?
In a ocus group in Erie, Pennsylvania, several young
women gasped in disbelie when the moderator listed
child care as one o many possibilities or solutions to
the college dropout problem. O course that would help,
several immediately agreed. Would a college ever do
that? most o them asked. A woman in Seattle who had
dropped out o college said, Te one [school] I was at,
they have a huge waiting list or the day care. It was just
really dicult to get in. It was all really complicated to
get it subsidized, at least where you werent paying $300
a week, plus whatever youre paying or tuition.
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 19
8/6/2019 Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them
22/52
t w a a a w ak g aaa .
Hw w h fw hp sm whs crcmsacs ar smar yrs wr afr hh sch a c r? Prc wh say h fw w hp a :
bas: 2230-yar-s wh sm psscary ca.
did not GrAduAte
Aw a- qa aa a
81%
o g, wk a wk wag
78%
c ag g 25 78%
ha g g a
76%
p a a w
76%
mak a g a g a g wk
73%
ha ga w a a-ag, a aa wk
69%
p a a a, akg aa-
69%
t ak w aw kw a a g a j-ag ga a ak a g
68%
i ag aa g a a
67%
p a 57%
mak g aa a
50%
GrAduAted
c ag g 25
83%
mak a g a g a g wk
79%
ha ga
w a a-ag, a a a wk
73%
Aw a- qa aa a
72%
o g, wk a wk wag
72%
t ak w a
w kw a a g a j-ag ga a ak a g
71%
ha g g a
66%
i ag aa g a a
64%
p a a w
59%
p a a a, akg aa-
55%
p a 53%
mak g aa a
43%
20 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
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mAybe i Wont GrAduAte,
but my children WillWhat is clear rom these results is that it would be a
mistake o the highest order to write o these young
people because they dropped out o college. Nearly all
young adults understand the value o knowledge and
know-how in todays world. Even though many hedge
their bets, given whats happened in their own lives,
most do grasp the economic acts o lie: Attaining a
college degree can change your lie. Most strive to
complete school; most would like to return to school,
but the realities o their lives become insurmountable
obstacles. Perhaps the most poignant evidence o how
these young people really eel about college is this: Even
though they themselves let beore nishingand
chances are that many o those we spoke to will never
return to higher educationully 97 percent o young
American parents who dropped out o college say that
they will encourage their own children go to college.
Given their aspirations and their clear message that some
distinctly practical and attainable changes could genu-
inely enhance their prospects, the ball is now in our
court. As a society, are we willing to act on what they
have to say?
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 21
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24/52
r a 0.5 a g a ak. r z a g a a. ra awa a 100 wg g. cg aw ag a g a
w a .
W t W l Aa t a a a aa
a a 614 22--30-a- w a a -a a. iw w ma 7 J 24,
2009, g a a a , a a
g w eg sa. t ag
4.8 ag . hw, g
w ag g q a w ak a
. t wa g
a .
a a g,
://www.aga.g/waa/g.
22 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
About the study
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
s1. oa, a a a w wa g a gg a a a?
Satised 80% 59% 90% 78%
Dissatised 19% 41% 9% 22%
Dont know/Reused * * 1%
[Note: Tere is no Q1-7.]
Q8. Wa a g w, wa ?
Business administration/Accounting/Marketing 19% 18% 16%
Education/Earlychildhoodeducation/Childcare 9% 6% 11%Liberal arts 8% 5% 2%
Art/Fine arts/Perorming arts 7% 4% 2%
Nursing 7% 5% 6%
Health care 6% 5% 14%
Computerscience/Informationtechnology 6% 6% 3%
General studies 6% 3% 2%
Science 4% 6% 2%
Psychology 4% 3% 1%
Criminaljustice/Criminology 4% 1% 4%
Engineering 3% 4% 3%
Social sciences(anthropology, geography, history, political science and sociology)
2% 4% 2%
Religious studies 2% *
Cosmetology 1% * 3%
Culinaryarts 1% 1% 2%
Environmental studies 1% 1%
Communication 1% 8% 2%
Counseling 1% 1%
Economics/Finance 4% 5%
Law * 2% 3%
Social work 1% 5%
Agriculture * 5%
Skilled trades * *
Other 7% 10% 7%
Dont know 5% 1% 4%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 23
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q9. bg a a a a, w k k a 10 a?
I will be on track toward a successul career 88% 79% 91% 95%
I am not sure i I will be closer to a successul career 10% 18% 7% 4%
Dont know 2% 3% 1% 1%
Q10. i a gg a a a a wa a a gg g.
pa ag ag w a a.
i g , w ak a a g g
Strongly agree 64% 52% 66% 77%Somewhat agree 22% 27% 19% 21%
Somewhat disagree 8% 13% 7% 2%
Strongly disagree 4% 6% 4% *
Dont know 2% 2% 2%
cg j k
Strongly agree 50% 54% 47% 51%
Somewhat agree 39% 34% 42% 37%
Somewhat disagree 6% 6% 6% 6%
Strongly disagree 5% 5% 5% 5%
Dont know * 1%i kw a w ak a g g w a a g g
Strongly agree 41% 50% 40% 31%
Somewhat agree 37% 30% 37% 46%
Somewhat disagree 14% 12% 16% 12%
Strongly disagree 7% 6% 6% 10%
Dont know 1% 1% 1% 1%
[Note: Tere is no Q11.]
Q12. pa w w w, a g.
In this economic climate, it is really essential to have a college degree 54% 36% 61% 60%
Because o the economic climate, everyone is having a hard timegetting a job, so having a college degree doesnt really help that much
45% 62% 37% 36%
Dont know 1% 2% 1% 3%
ull survey results
24 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q13. pa w w w, a g.
I there were plenty o good jobs available without an advanceddegree, I probably would not have gone to school ater high school
14% 21% 9% 13%
I would still make the decision to go to school because what you learnthere is so important
86% 77% 90% 87%
Dont know 1% 1% 1%
[Note: Tere is no Q14.]
Q15. d k a , a aj w a qa g g a
, k a a w a qa g a ?
Have the opportunity to go 34% 25% 39% 34%
Do not have the opportunity to go 62% 70% 57% 64%
Dont know 3% 4% 3% 2%
Q16. i , k a a w gaa
g, g k w a, j g a ?
Most people are really impressed 33% 42% 25% 37%
Something they look down at 3% 2% 4% 2%
Justsomethingroutineandexpected 62% 52% 69% 58%
Dont know 2% 3% 2% 2%
Q17. W wg a ? a ga
My degree is all I need 29% 23% 42% 9%
I need another degree besides the one I have 61% 66% 46% 89%
I dont even need my degree 9% 10% 12% 1%
Dont know 1% * * 1%
Q18. h a a a a a w a g a
a g . pa w a g .
i w a i a j g
Very close 32% 26% 35% 31%
Somewhat close 36% 32% 34% 46%
Not too close 11% 13% 10% 11%
Not close at all 21% 28% 20% 13%
Dont know
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 25
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28/52
Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
i w a a awa a g a
Very close 51% 43% 57% 48%
Somewhat close 26% 28% 23% 28%
Not too close 9% 13% 8% 7%
Not close at all 14% 17% 11% 17%
Dont know
i w a i a kw wa i wa a g
Very close 22% 25% 20% 19%Somewhat close 23% 29% 23% 15%
Not too close 14% 12% 15% 14%
Not close at all 41% 33% 42% 51%
Dont know * *
i w a a i wa a q
Very close 50% 42% 49% 62%
Somewhat close 22% 22% 23% 18%
Not too close 10% 12% 9% 10%
Not close at all 18% 23% 18% 10%
Dont know * *
i w a w gg
Very close 9% 10% 9% 9%
Somewhat close 13% 7% 18% 7%
Not too close 17% 13% 17% 22%
Not close at all 60% 68% 55% 63%
Dont know * *
i wa a a w, a g a
Very close 31% 23% 33% 34%
Somewhat close 35% 35% 34% 37%
Not too close 13% 15% 13% 10%
Not close at all 21% 26% 19% 18%
Dont know * * 1%
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q19. i a a , a k a a. t a, w
wa a? Wa a? [bas: ths wh a mr ha yp f sch afr hh sch.]
Tradeorvocationalschoolorprogram 9% 12% 7% 10%
Twoyearorcommunitycollege(associatesdegree) 53% 56% 52% 53%
Four-year college (Bachelor o Arts or Science degree) 38% 32% 41% 36%
Dont know * *
Q20. Wa a a a ?
Public 79% 90% 74% 78%Private 20% 9% 26% 21%
Dont know 1% 1% * 2%
[Note: Tere is no Q21.]
Q22. W w: [bas: ths wh wa a yar r mr sch.]
It would have been easier or me overall to have startedclasses immediately ater high school
50% 59% 30% 57%
Waiting beore starting classes was the right choiceI would not have been ready or it
49% 40% 70% 43%
Dont know 1% 1%
[Note: Tere is no Q23.]
Q24. t a a a g a k k. s kg a
w a g , a a wg a a w .
t a aa a
Major reason 46% 33% 54% 43%
Minor reason 27% 29% 27% 27%
Not a reason at all 27% 38% 19% 30%
Dont know * * *
ra a
Major reason 26% 25% 29% 21%
Minor reason 32% 22% 33% 42%
Not a reason at all 42% 54% 37% 37%
Dont know * 1%
i wa a w i wk
Major reason 53% 66% 45% 51%
Minor reason 20% 12% 22% 24%
Not a reason at all 27% 21% 32% 25%
Dont know
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 27
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
t a w aa
Major reason 57% 57% 56% 60%
Minor reason 23% 23% 23% 24%
Not a reason at all 19% 20% 20% 16%
Dont know
i az aj a j i wa
Major reason 54% 54% 54% 54%
Minor reason 22% 22% 23% 22%Not a reason at all 23% 24% 23% 24%
Dont know * *
i a a a a wk w
Major reason 44% 59% 36% 45%
Minor reason 23% 17% 26% 22%
Not a reason at all 33% 25% 37% 32%
Dont know * *
i wa awa
Major reason 19% 11% 22% 25%
Minor reason 27% 18% 35% 19%
Not a reason at all 54% 70% 44% 56%
Dont know
i wa a i w a a gg a
Major reason 41% 43% 39% 41%
Minor reason 30% 24% 33% 32%
Not a reason at all 29% 33% 28% 27%
Dont know
t a a aa a
Major reason 38% 41% 38% 32%
Minor reason 18% 13% 21% 17%
Not a reason at all 44% 46% 41% 51%
Dont know
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
t a a ga -aa ga a wa a
Major reason 15% 13% 18% 13%
Minor reason 17% 12% 18% 20%
Not a reason at all 68% 75% 64% 67%
Dont know * *
i g gg w g a g j a i gaa
Major reason 56% 54% 57% 55%
Minor reason 25% 23% 27% 21%Not a reason at all 20% 23% 16% 24%
Dont know
Q23r. i w w, wa w a a a ?[Rcr vram rsps]
Convenient/closetohome/work 25% 32% 22% 26%
Oered the major/program I want 14% 14% 14% 13%
Good/quality education/teachers/reputation 10% 5% 11% 12%
Liked it/elt right or me/atmosphere 10% 6% 15% 6%
Location 9% 10% 7% 11%
Aordable 8% 10% 6% 9%Family members/riends attend(ed)/amily connection/parents choice 5% 4% 7% 1%
Tobettermyself/myjobopportunities 5% 7% 3% 7%
Have a scholarship/ree ride 4% 3% 6% 3%
Where I was accepted/only option 4% 5% 1% 7%
Other 3% 3% 2% 2%
As a stepping-stone to a our-year/another college 2% 3% 3%
Good sports program/to play a sport 2% 2% 3%
Q25. s kg a a a , a a , a a a.
i wa w a g i a
A lot 14% 16% 12% 14%
A little 34% 30% 38% 32%
Not at all 52% 54% 50% 54%
Dont know
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 29
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32/52
Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
i a a a wg g a
A lot 11% 12% 11% 9%
A little 24% 24% 27% 18%
Not at all 64% 63% 61% 73%
Dont know
i a awa
A lot 6% 8% 4% 5%
A little 15% 10% 18% 13%Not at all 79% 80% 78% 82%
Dont know * *
i a wk a w, a wa g
A lot 29% 35% 26% 27%
A little 28% 28% 26% 32%
Not at all 43% 37% 48% 41%
Dont know
i azg a g g
A lot 18% 23% 14% 20%
A little 30% 24% 36% 24%
Not at all 52% 53% 51% 56%
Dont know * *
i a a a a
A lot 12% 18% 9% 12%
A little 27% 25% 29% 24%
Not at all 61% 57% 61% 64%
Dont know
i wa ag
A lot 15% 13% 17% 14%
A little 28% 16% 33% 32%
Not at all 57% 71% 50% 54%
Dont know
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
t k a a aa
A lot 28% 36% 23% 30%
A little 31% 24% 35% 33%
Not at all 41% 40% 42% 37%
Dont know
Q26. s kg a a , ak a a ?
Yes 16% 20% 10% 25%
No 83% 78% 90% 75%Didnt go to college/was in a vocational/technical school or program(VOL)
* *
Dont know 1% 1% *
Q27. tkg a a w a g , w w a a wg:
t a g wa a ak
Excellent 25% 28% 23% 25%
Good 34% 28% 39% 33%
Fair 26% 27% 26% 25%
Poor 13% 14% 10% 16%
Dont know 1% 1% 2% 1%t g a w g
Excellent 35% 34% 34% 39%
Good 45% 44% 47% 42%
Fair 18% 19% 18% 17%
Poor 2% 3% 2% 2%
Dont know * *
t aa a a g a w g a a a
Excellent 19% 21% 20% 14%
Good 31% 30% 32% 31%
Fair 25% 23% 24% 30%
Poor 15% 17% 12% 18%
Dont know 7% 6% 9% 5%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 31
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
t a a ag g wk [bas: ths wh hav ak ay rma crss.]
Excellent 40% 45% 32% 43%
Good 35% 31% 48% 29%
Fair 17% 19% 12% 18%
Poor 8% 5% 8% 10%
Dont know
Q28. i wa a , w a a , w a
a ?
Same school 57% 53% 62% 51%
Dierent school 41% 44% 37% 46%
Dont know 2% 3% 1% 3%
[Note: Tere is no Q29 or Q30.]
Q31. d a a wg a a g ?
A a aa a
Yes 45% 31% 56% 39%
No 54% 69% 43% 61%
Dont know * *
la
Yes 45% 31% 49% 54%
No 55% 69% 51% 46%
Dont know
pa a
Yes 55% 42% 63% 53%
No 45% 58% 37% 47%
Dont know
Q32. d a a a a , , a , a
? [bas: ths whs pars r hr ravs hp pay fr sch.]
All 35% 41% 36% 28%Some tuition 35% 29% 33% 47%
Only a little 14% 18% 12% 13%
Some other costs o school but not or tuition 15% 11% 18% 12%
Dont know 1% 1%
ull survey results
32 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q32b. A ag a, a a w w a ?[bas: ths wh ha as hp pay fr sch.]
I am paying o the loans 86% 91% 82% 92%
My parents are paying them o 7% 6% 10%
Both/neither (VOL) 6% 2% 6% 8%
Q33. tkg a a a k , w a [bas: ths wh ha as hp payfr sch, wh hav cmp hr prram a ar prsay rsps fr pay ack as.]
You have a long way to go beore your loans are paid o 33% 26% 35% 40%
You think they will be paid o in the next ew years 45% 52% 42% 46%
Tey are already paid o 20% 22% 22% 8%
Tey will never be paid o (VOL) 1% * 6%
Dont know * *
Q34. tkg g a, w a a wk a a a a
a, k a a a a a wk a?
Worked hard to learn 34% 29% 36% 37%
Couldhavepaidalotmoreattentionandworkedharder 64% 70% 62% 63%
Dont know 1% 1% 2% *
Q35. W w g , awa kw w gg g a?
Yes, I always knew was going to continue on to higher education 77% 67% 83% 76%
No 23% 33% 17% 24%
Dont know * *
[Note: Tere is no Q36.]
Q37. W w a k aa a ?
My teachers and counselors in high school probably thought I wouldgo to college right ater high school
78% 68% 83% 76%
My teachers and counselors probably thought I was not going to col-lege ater high school
21% 29% 16% 23%
Dont know 1% 2% * 1%
Q38. hw w g ? W a a a a a
, a a w a ?
Nearly all o them studied hard 16% 9% 20% 14%
Most o them studied hard 46% 41% 48% 46%
Only a ew o them studied hard 37% 48% 30% 39%
None studied hard (VOL) 1% 2% 1%
Dont know 1% * 1% 1%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 33
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q39. a a i a, a k a g .
A g
Denitely applied to me 46% 38% 48% 53%
Somewhat applied to me 44% 47% 44% 39%
Did not apply to me 10% 14% 7% 8%
Dont know
A a a
Denitely applied to me 12% 11% 10% 18%Somewhat applied to me 31% 26% 35% 30%
Did not apply to me 56% 62% 54% 51%
Dont know 1% * 1%
A g a
Denitely applied to me 30% 30% 30% 30%
Somewhat applied to me 33% 28% 36% 34%
Did not apply to me 37% 42% 35% 36%
Dont know
s w k a a g
Denitely applied to me 48% 50% 49% 42%
Somewhat applied to me 42% 37% 43% 45%
Did not apply to me 10% 13% 8% 11%
Dont know
A a aa
Denitely applied to me 22% 26% 18% 27%
Somewhat applied to me 38% 38% 39% 34%
Did not apply to me 40% 35% 43% 38%
Dont know
s w k g a
Denitely applied to me 23% 28% 20% 23%
Somewhat applied to me 32% 30% 33% 32%
Did not apply to me 45% 41% 47% 44%
Dont know * 1% 1%
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
A a ak
Denitely applied to me 11% 17% 6% 14%
Somewhat applied to me 18% 19% 17% 18%
Did not apply to me 71% 63% 77% 66%
Dont know
Q40. W g w w g ?
Te counselors usually made an eort to really get to know me and
to treat me as an individual
47% 52% 44% 48%
I usually elt I was just another ace in the crowd 48% 42% 52% 48%
I never had any experiences with counselors in high school (VOL) 2% 4% 1% 3%
Dont know 1% 1% 2% 1%
Q41. hw w a g wg aa?[bas: ths wh ha xprcs wh csrs.]
hg k a k a g wa
Excellent 14% 19% 10% 17%
Good 22% 24% 23% 18%
Fair 33% 31% 37% 28%
Poor 29% 25% 29% 34%Dont know 2% 2% 2% 3%
hg wa wa g
Excellent 13% 17% 11% 15%
Good 17% 14% 20% 16%
Fair 32% 36% 33% 26%
Poor 35% 32% 34% 41%
Dont know 2% 2% 2% 2%
eag a g w aa
Excellent 18% 20% 18% 18%
Good 25% 25% 26% 21%Fair 25% 29% 26% 19%
Poor 29% 24% 29% 37%
Dont know 2% 2% 1% 5%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 35
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38/52
Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
hg wa a g, k aa a a ga
Excellent 15% 21% 12% 13%
Good 22% 20% 24% 20%
Fair 26% 25% 28% 23%
Poor 33% 32% 32% 38%
Dont know 4% 2% 4% 5%
Q42. nw i a gg a a a a a g a a w
a a a a g . a wg, a a g
a, a a a g w w a a.
i ak a w i a a q a wa wa g ag
High school teachers 26% 31% 25% 22%
Teachersyouhavehadafterhighschool 20% 18% 19% 24%
About the same 53% 48% 55% 53%
Dont know 1% 2% 1%
i i g i a a a a wa ag wk
High school teachers 34% 34% 32% 37%
Teachersyouhadafterhighschool 20% 17% 22% 22%
About the same 40% 39% 42% 39%
Dont know 3% 6% 3% 1%
t a a a k akg j a a
High school teachers 18% 26% 13% 20%
Teachersyouhadafterhighschool 37% 31% 42% 33%
About the same 43% 40% 44% 43%
Dont know 1% 2% 1%
t a w wa w w ag a wa a
High school teachers 16% 26% 9% 20%
Teachersyouhadafterhighschool 42% 30% 49% 42%
About the same 41% 42% 41% 38%Dont know 1% 2% * *
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q43. tkg a a a, a wg, a a a w
ga. [bas: ths wh cmp a psscary prram.]
i js c affr h a fs
Major reason 31%
Minor reason 21%
Not a reason 46%
Dont know 2%
i g a a w g
Major reason 14%
Minor reason 31%
Not a reason 52%
Dont know 2%
i a ak
Major reason 21%
Minor reason 33%
Not a reason 44%
Dont know 2%
A g , j w i wa ag
Major reason 14%
Minor reason 21%
Not a reason 62%
Dont know 2%
i a ak a a a i k w
Major reason 16%
Minor reason 27%
Not a reason 55%
Dont know 2%
s a w
Major reason 10%
Minor reason 24%
Not a reason 63%
Dont know 2%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 37
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
i k g a
Major reason 11%
Minor reason 27%
Not a reason 60%
Dont know 2%
i g wk a ak
Major reason 54%
Minor reason 17%Not a reason 28%
Dont know 2%
i a g a
Major reason 16%
Minor reason 25%
Not a reason 57%
Dont know 3%
[Note: Tere is no Q44.]
Q45. hw g a g gg ak a g, g g
a a? [bas: ths wh cmp a psscary prram.]A lot o thought 65%
Some thought 24%
No thought at all 9%
Dont know 2%
Q46. W a a k a , a k a g
a gg k a aa ga a ?[bas: ths wh hav hh a ack sch.]
Seriously looked at some specic schools 38%
Have not yet looked but plan on doing so soon 37%
Not going to look into a particular school or program anytime soon 23%
Already chosen/accepted into a school (VOL) 1%
Dont know 1%
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q47. s a a a a g a ga a a k.
W a g ak w a a wa a wa?[bas: ths wh cmp a psscary prram.]
Hard to go back 36%
Pretty easy to do 57%
Dont know 5%
Q48. a wg, a a w w a g ak ?[bas: ths wh say w har ack sch.]
i w a a g
Major reason 26%
Minor reason 29%
Not a reason at all 43%
Dont know 2%
i a a
Major reason 53%
Minor reason 19%
Not a reason at all 26%
Dont know 2%
i a wk -, a i k i wk a g a a
Major reason 56%
Minor reason 19%
Not a reason at all 23%
Dont know 2%
i k a g w a
Major reason 7%
Minor reason 15%
Not a reason at all 75%
Dont know 2%n a a a a
Major reason 17%
Minor reason 31%
Not a reason at all 48%
Dont know 3%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 39
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
n a a a ga a i a a
Major reason 14%
Minor reason 18%
Not a reason at all 67%
Dont know 2%
[Note: Tere is no Q49.]
Q50. W a a g j a, wa g a g q ? [bas: ths wh cmp a psscary prram aar crr mpys.]
Chosecurrentjobmorebychance 61%
Hoping to do or quite some time 37%
Dont know 1%
[Note: Tere is no Q51.]
Q52. W a a j a gw a , g a, ?[bas: ths wh cmp a psscary prram wh ar crry mpy.]
Teres plenty o room or you to grow and move up 50%
Teres room to move up but only i you get more education 23%
Teres not much room to move up 28%Q53. a wg, a w k w w
a a a a g gg a g g.
ha g g a
A lot 71% 76% 66% 80%
A little 22% 16% 28% 15%
Not much 3% 2% 3% 2%
Not at all 3% 3% 4% 1%
Dont know 1% 3% 2%
t ak w a w kw a a g a j-ag ga aak a g
A lot 72% 68% 71% 80%
A little 23% 23% 25% 18%
Not much 1% 2% 1% *
Not at all 2% 4% 2% 1%
Dont know 1% 3% *
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
c ag g 25
A lot 82% 78% 83% 84%
A little 13% 15% 13% 11%
Not much 1% 1% 2% 1%
Not at all 2% 3% 2% 2%
Dont know 1% 3% * 2%
Aw a- qa aa a
A lot 76% 81% 72% 79%A little 19% 13% 23% 18%
Not much 1% 1% 1% 1%
Not at all 3% 2% 4% 2%
Dont know 1% 3% *
mak g aa a
A lot 46% 50% 43% 49%
A little 34% 32% 36% 33%
Not much 8% 7% 7% 10%
Not at all 11% 9% 14% 8%
Dont know 1% 3%
p a
A lot 53% 57% 53% 47%
A little 29% 27% 29% 32%
Not much 8% 4% 10% 10%
Not at all 8% 7% 9% 10%
Dont know 2% 5%
p a a a , akg a a
A lot 61% 69% 55% 67%
A little 25% 17% 32% 21%
Not much 5% 4% 4% 8%
Not at all 7% 7% 8% 5%
Dont know 1% 3% 1%
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
p a a w
A lot 66% 76% 59% 68%
A little 23% 14% 29% 23%
Not much 2% 3% 2% 1%
Not at all 6% 5% 7% 7%
Dont know 2% 3% 2% 1%
mak a g a g a g wk
A lot 77% 73% 79% 79%A little 18% 19% 17% 21%
Not much 1% 2% 1%
Not at all 3% 4% 3% 1%
Dont know 1% 3%
o g, wk a wk w ag
A lot 74% 78% 72% 75%
A little 21% 16% 23% 21%
Not much 2% 2% * 4%
Not at all 2% 2% 3%
Dont know 1% 3% 1%
i ag a a g a a
A lot 67% 67% 64% 74%
A little 24% 21% 27% 22%
Not much 4% 4% 4% 3%
Not at all 4% 7% 3% 2%
Dont know 1% 3% *
ha ga w a a- ag, a a a wk
A lot 71% 69% 73% 72%
A little 23% 22% 24% 22%
Not much 2% 2% 1% 4%
Not at all 2% 4% 1%
Dont know 1% 4% 2%
ull survey results
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Total
Didnot
completea
PSEProgram
CompletedPSE
InProgress
=614%
=200%
=281%
=133%
Q54. A a w a k a , w
k w the most? [bas: ths wh sa mr ha p Q53 w hp a .]
More government loans or college 9% 14% 6% 10%
Te opportunity to talk with advisers who know all about the dier-ent college and job-training programs so you can make a good choice
8% 6% 10% 7%
Cutthecostofattendingcollegeby25percent 35% 25% 40% 38%
Allow part-time students to qualiy or nancial aid 6% 13% 4% 5%
Make the college application process easier * 1%
Put more classes online 4% 7% 3% 1%
Provide health insurance to all students, even those takingclasses part-time
4% 5% 3% 7%
Provide day care or students that need it 6% 12% 3% 5%
Make sure students learn good study habits in high school so theyreprepared or college work
9% 3% 12% 9%
Oer more courses in the evenings, on weekends or in the summerso people can work while attending school
7% 5% 8% 8%
Improve teaching so the classes are more interesting and relevant 4% 4% 4% 3%
Have more programs or students who are interested in hands-on
learning, apprenticeships and nonclassroom work
5% 6% 5% 4%
Dont know 1% 1% 1% 1%
d10. hw a a , a, g g?A a, w a [bas: ths wh hav chr h hsh.]
Very important 82% 77% 84% 88%
Somewhat important 16% 20% 14% 12%
Not too important 1% 1%
Not at all important * 1%
Dont know 1% 1% 1%
ull survey results
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 43
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Sample
%
G
ma 47%
a 53%
hg ea
s g
d 29%
ta/aa g 2%
tw-a g g 6%
-a gaa g 5%
ta/aa 6%
tw-a g 7%
-a gaa g 29%
Gaa g 8%
Gaa 9%
ea aa ( a )
ta aa 25%
tw-a g 59%
-a g 66%
a a 19%
ma 7%
t aa a a
W 54%
W a 11%
W w a 8%
W w a 17%la 9%
c
- 49%
pa- 31%
J akg a a a 19%
e a
- 61%
pa- 16%
r 1%
n 19%
(vol) hak 1%
(vol) s 2%
(vol) da 1%
chArActeristics o the sAmple
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chArActeristics o the sAmple
Sample
%
maa a
ma 36%
lg a a 4%
d 2%
saa 2%
Ww *
n a/sg 55%
n
Z 60%
o 21%
tw 12%
t 7%
c g aag
A w a 14%
d g g 1%
sa a a w a 14%
ow a 60%
o 11%
ta 2008
u $15,000 12%
$15,000 $25,000 12%
$25,000 $35,000 15%
$35,000 $50,000 19%
$50,000 $75,000 16%
$75,000 21%h z g [bas: ths wh crry v wh hr pars.]
ow 5%
t 18%
34%
25%
s 17%
hg [bas: ths wh crry v wh hr pars.]
sg-a 86%
o k wg 14%
tw 2%
d w-a 2%
c 1%
Aa 5%
ta (vol) 1%
o 4%
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Sample
%
a aa a w g a [bas: ths wh crry v wh hr pars.]
Ga a a a 47%
ma , a a a 41%
ha gg a 10%
d kw/ 2%
pa a
A g a qa 28%
A a aa a 8%
tw-a aa g 9%
-a a g 23%
Gaa g 22%
sg (speciy) 1%
n/b a a a g a (vol) 6%
d kw/r 3%
ra/e
W 67%
bak 11%
ha 12%
Aa 6%
o 3%
d kw/r 3%
ua
m 86%
n 14%
c rgna 18%
mw 24%
s 35%
W 23%
chArActeristics o the sAmple
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G a a qa a, b & ma Ga a
wk a a a, . i g ,
g a a gg a
g a . i u sa, k a a
a w w a a
a . ba sa, Wag, a
ceo J rak a c-a Wa h. Ga s., b a
ma Ga a Wa b.
t a "W t W l Aa t" w k ak wg a aa g aa :
o a a b a ma Ga a sa, WA, ama Gak, ha pg a ia rw, g a a w a a;
A W, J , j a aa a ;
da yak a baaa l g a ga;
s b a aa;
da l gg a g , a da, ak,ma a r ag w w g a;
ma , c r, Gmmb, a A Gaa, ba ba, gg wk a a a a;
a Ga, da W, pg c a A rzz, pAga.g, g a a g a ;
A p Aga p r A. W , g a ga.
With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem | 47
About the bill & melindA GAtes oundAtion
our thAnKs
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50/52
1975 a a a da yak a u.s.
sa sa c va, p Aga wk a a a w a aag z a
a . o - a w z k a a w
a a a a a a a
a ak a a . o z a
aa a awa-wg W , pAga.g, a a
a ag a. tw a g W
awa a , pAga.g a
a w ag .
oicers
Daniel YankelovichChairman and Co-Founder
Lloyd MorrisettChairman,ExecutiveCommittee
co-ounder
Cyrus Vance (19172002)Former Secretary o State
honorAry members
Peter G. PetersonChairman, Peter G. Peterson Foundation
Sidney HarmanFormer Chairman/CEO,Harman International Industries, Inc.
Bobby R. InmanAdmiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)
boArd o directors
David ColemanFounder,StudentAchievementPartners,LLC
Philip HowardVice-Chairman,Covington&Burlingand Founder,CommonGood
Alice S. HuangSenior Faculty Associate,CaliforniaInstituteofTechnology
Ann KirschnerUniversity Dean,MacaulayHonorsCollegeattheCityUniversityofNewYork
Alan I. LeshnerChie Executive Ocer, American Associationor the Advancement o Science
David MathewsPresident,CharlesF.KetteringFoundation
Judith Davidson Moyers
President,PublicAairsTelevision,Inc.
Deborah WadsworthSenior Adviser, Public Agenda
Mitchel WallersteinDean,MaxwellSchoolofCitizenshipand Public Afairs, Syracuse University
48 | With Teir Whole Lives Ahead o Tem
About public AGendA
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public AGendA6 ea 39 snw yk, ny 10016 (212) 686.6610 (212) 889.3461www.pAga.g
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