Employment and Earnings of International Science and Engineering Graduates of U.S. Universities: A Comparative Perspective

• In Event: 25.067 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 25.067-12 - Persisting Through and Beyond the College Pipeline

Abstract

International students represent a large percentage of student population in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs at American colleges and universities. We examined the employment status and earnings of between international graduate (foreign-born) and American-born graduates of U.S. universities, particularly in science and engineering (S&E) fields. Based on a sample of 14,400 graduates, of whom 12% were foreign-born, the results indicated no statistical significant difference among the three groups (US-born, foreign born with temporary status, and foreign born with permanent status) in terms of quality of employment. The foreign-born graduates were more likely to be employed, and more likely to be earned annually than US-born gradates in S&E fields.

Authors

• Throy Alexander Campbell, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Maria Adamuti-Trache, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Krishna Bista, Morgan State University